Medical Breakthroughs for 2008

New hope for cancer, diabetes, dementia and more.

From Reader's Digest

Change Text Size

Change Text Size
|
Bookmark

Bookmark

Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
TwitThis
|
Print
|
E-Mail

Images from this article

See all:
Photographs (11)
Videos ()

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

javascript:void(0);

Courtesy Martin Tournai / Duke University

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

javascript:void(0);

Courtesy Sanofli Pasteur

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

javascript:void(0);

Courtesy Siemens Medical Solutions

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

javascript:void(0);

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

javascript:void(0);

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

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

Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story

How to Finish a Basement: Framing and Insulating
How to frame a basement and install insulation.
50 Funniest Jokes
Laugh more, live longer with the funniest jokes ever.
27 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Surround your perfect turkey with these irresistible sides.
6 Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes
Bake a batch of any of these easy to follow recipes or just drool over the stunning Christmas cookie pictures.
How To Install a Bow Window
How to frame a rough window opening, install a new window, trim out the interior and exterior around a new window, plus all of the finishing touches.

November 21, 2009

Get Our Today's Digest Feed

Breakthrough: Better Than Mammography
Less invasive mammography alternatives are on the medical horizon.
Breakthrough: 24/7 Blood Sugar Test
Testing your blood sugar may soon be as convenient as checking the time.
Breakthrough: Alzheimer's Treatments
The new medications are hopeful memory keepers in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Breakthrough: Younger Vaccines
With new medical breakthroughs in vaccines offer children illness prevention at younger ages.
Breakthrough: New Bone Builders
Fractures from fragile bones affect half of women over 50. Two new medications can help repair them -- and reduce the risk.
Breakthrough: Taking a Shot at MS
A vaccine for multiple sclerosis may be on the medical horizon.

See All Make It Matter

Refresh Topic List

Medical Breakthroughs for 2008

New hope for cancer, diabetes, dementia and more.

From Reader's Digest - March 2008

Digg

Reader's Digest Around the World