Since ancient times, plants and herbs are known for having a significant impact on our lives. The products of plants and herbs are used in food, creating textile, or as construction materials. Some plants are also used in traditional forms of medicine. Although many of these medications are crudely concocted without any scientific basis, the earliest forms of traditional medicine were still able to help address certain common and severe ailments.
That said, medicine plays a key role in prolonging human life and significantly improving the standard of living for many individuals. Even though technology has significantly improved in the past few centuries, which has resulted in a higher life expectancy among individuals, there is still a lot of room for growth and improvement in medicine and treating various ailments.
Most experts would theorize that breakthroughs in medicine will lead to therapies and surgeries that could cure some of the most severe problems. This can include gene therapy for blood disorders and medications for chronic diseases. Some innovations can help cut down on response time needed for emergencies, such as having better access to telemedicine.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. What are some important breakthroughs in medicine and medical technology that could revolutionize the medical community in the coming years? We will be discussing in detail some important breakthroughs that might help you in the near future.
What Are Some of the Top Innovations?
Compared to previous years, 2021 is considered a “historical” point in medicine since much of the public emphasizes health and medicine. Here are some of the known breakthroughs:
Gene Therapy
First and foremost, one of the most important innovations (other than COVID-19 vaccines) in the past year or so is gene therapy. This type of therapy is known for targeting complications in the blood, also known as hemoglobinopathies. One of the most common blood disorders is sickle-shaped cell disease which has affected thousands of children worldwide. In the United States alone, there are around 100,000 individuals that have sickle cell disease.
Although gene therapy is still “experimental,” it has proven to be one of the more effective ways of fighting blood complications. Some of the latest research has shown promising results since this has reduced the presence of sickle cells or ineffective blood cells due to other blood problems.
The COVID-19 Vaccines
Let’s face it: 2020 wasn’t a good year for the rest of the world because of an especially virulent disease in the form of the SARS-CoV-2 (Also known as the COVID-19). This disease has lead to a pandemic which is still stretching out towards 2021. But other than causing deaths and severe complications among millions of individuals around the world, the pandemic has also caused drastic changes to the international economy and a myriad of different industries.
But despite many economic setbacks from the pandemic, many medical technologists, doctors, and researchers are working around the clock to produce and roll out vaccines. Vaccines are currently being rolled out, and millions are being administered every day.
State-of-the-art Laboratory Equipment and Telemedicine
Innovations in medicine and medical technology are not just limited to addressing pathogens and health: it’s also focused on providing better laboratory facilities for professionals. In general, research and development can be streamlined if scientists, medical technologists, and doctors are given the appropriate laboratory equipment.
Many pharmaceutical companies and researchers have been using brand-new instruments and services, such as the in-vitro kinase assay screening done by Reaction Biology that can target specific assays. This is known for helping provide high-quality data integral in the production of a new medicine that can counteract severe diseases.
Another known innovation that many first responders and experts have used is telemedicine. The recent pandemic has seen an increase in telemedicine which is paramount in keeping doctors and front liners safe from the disease. Some of these procedures will usually come in the form of virtual care. Many government organizations around the world have also been pivoting towards telehealth since this can mitigate the likelihood of transmission for healthcare workers. After all, safety should be the priority.
Technology will always be constantly evolving to make our lives more comfortable and even more convenient. Although there might have been many state-of-the-art technological breakthroughs in the past few decades, innovations in medicine have helped against some of the most severe diseases out there. Still, people should be even more excited for what the future holds since there are bound to be even more innovations. Only time can tell what advancements in technology will bring for the betterment of humankind.
