The 5 Most Groundbreaking Healthcare Technologies of 2013

The 5 Most Groundbreaking Healthcare Technologies of 2013

Keeping up with the latest technological breakthroughs in medical science can be tough. With hundreds of new articles published every month, there’s always something new to learn.

### Nanorobotics
One of the most exciting advancements in medical technology is nanotechnology. Researchers working on cancer treatments have discovered that nanoparticles can help reduce tumors in mice. Nanorobots can also repair damaged cells, isolate DNA, and perform other life-saving tasks. This technology holds great promise for avoiding surgeries and improving treatment outcomes.

### Robotic Prosthetics
Another exciting field is neuroprosthetics, which helps restore mobility in patients with spinal cord injuries. This is particularly significant for many veterans injured in conflicts like the Iraq war. Using electrical impulses and tendon transfers, devices like eLEGS can help paraplegic patients stand and walk again. This field is constantly evolving and holds tremendous potential for future advancements.

### Bionic Eye
The FDA has approved the world’s first bionic eye to treat specific types of blindness. In Australia, researchers are also testing a bionic eye that could aid people with macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa in seeing large objects like buildings or cars. Although these devices are still in the early stages of development, they are a significant step forward. The bionic eye essentially mimics the function of the million cells that make up the vision receptors in the human eye.

### Breakthrough in Leukemia Treatment
In Melbourne, Australia, researchers are about to start trials on a groundbreaking treatment for advanced blood cancers such as leukemia. At the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, scientists have found a way to kill cancerous blood cells while sparing healthy ones. The human trials began in 2013, focusing on blood cancers that haven’t responded to other treatments. Professor Grant McArthur stated that this trial would be open to cases of lymphomas and leukemia resistant to other treatments.

### Conclusion
Technology is rapidly advancing in all areas of life, especially in medicine. These advancements have the potential to extend lives, restore abilities, and eliminate severe health conditions. If technological progress in medicine continues at this pace, we can expect many more incredible breakthroughs in the near future.