Medical Breakthroughs for 2008

New hope for cancer, diabetes, dementia and more.

Every year, we wade through reams of medical research, attend physician conferences, pick scientists' brains, take doctors to lunch and even scrub up for the OR -- all to find the most amazing discoveries, devices, tests and potential cures out there.

In the past, we watched doctors repair a heart with tiny tools inserted through three small incisions, with no chest cracking. We witnessed a big blood clot being pulled out of the brain of a stroke victim almost like a cork from a bottle of wine, followed by a complete recovery. And we saw a paralyzed man draw pictures on his computer, change the channels on his TV and open his curtains -- just by using his thoughts. These advances seemed mind-boggling at the time, but they're becoming state-of-the-art treatments.

This year brings more excitement. From skin cells transformed into tissue beating like a human heart to a simple checklist that's saving thousands of lives, it was another banner year for breakthroughs. Some are available now; some need more work before they're ready for prime time. But all will make you say "wow."