Medical Breakthroughs for 2008

New hope for cancer, diabetes, dementia and more.

From Reader's Digest

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An artificial lung called BioLung allows patients to keep breathing while waiting for a lung transplant.

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Courtesy Martin Tournai / Duke University

This 3-D way to spot tumors may make mammographies a thing of the past.

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Courtesy Sanofli Pasteur

The age range to receive the Menactra meningitis vaccine has been expanded to include children ages 2-10.

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Courtesy Siemens Medical Solutions

This new pocket-sized ultrasound is a better way to see inside.

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Now available, Reclast is an osteoporosis medication taken just once a year through an IV dose.

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An artificial lung called BioLung allows patients to keep breathing while waiting for a lung transplant.

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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."

From Reader's Digest - March 2008

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