Research has shown that the length of telomeres, which form a “cap” on the end of chromosomes, play a major role in aging. Shortened telomeres are a hallmark of many “premature aging” diseases. Several studies have shown exercise can preserve telomere length in humans, particularly as humans get older, and thus theoretically slow the aging [...]
Posts under ‘Medicine’
Canadian hospital pioneers all-robot surgery
While physicians have been using robotics to assist with surgery for years, a Canadian man is the first in the world to undergo successful surgery in which the entire procedure was performed by robots – from administering anesthesia via a robot nicknamed “McSleepy” to operating with a DaVinci surgical robot: Specialists at the McGill University [...]
Study links high-dose fish oil to colon cancer, but most shouldn’t worry
Most health experts agree high quality fish oil is a beneficial supplement. For starters, fish oil has been found to reduce inflammation in the body, and cutting-edge research shows it may even preserve telomere length and thus slow aging. However, new research shows too much of a good thing may not be so good, after [...]
“What if the doctor was your cell phone?”
Many people around the world (and in the United States) do not have reliable access to medical care. This may be due to geographical factors, financial factors, cultural factors, or a combination thereof. However, mobile phone adoption continues to grow rapidly in both developed and underdeveloped countries. With fast rates of adoption and increasing levels [...]
Baby hears for first time with Cochlear implant
This video has gone viral, but it’s worth linking here. The expression on eight-month old Jonathan’s face when he hears for the first time, due to a Cochlear implant, is priceless. A reminder of how technology enhances our lives – and a promise of what’s to come. (Via Neatorama)
Successful face transplant said to be most complex to date
Who can forget Isabelle Dinoire, the French woman who received the world’s first successful partial face transplant in 2005 after being mauled by her dog? Prior to the transplant, which included a new nose and mouth, she had difficulty eating or speaking – the transplant has enabled her to do both. Although a handful of [...]
“Artificial pancreas” successfully tested
Back in February I posted about the development of an “artificial pancreas,” which automatically monitored blood sugar levels and could deliver insulin when necessary. Today we learned that the system, which is made up of a blood glucose monitor, two insulin pumps and a laptop computer, was successfully tested in 11 adults with type 1 [...]
Inkjet-like “bioprinters” may be alternative to skin grafts
Researchers at Wake Forest University have invented a “bioprinter” that can apply skin cells to injured areas of skin, such as burns or ulcers. The system, which has been tested successfully on mice, uses a laser to first map the wounded area. Next, the printer applies cells directly onto the wound, which speeds healing: (Kyle) [...]
Bionic eye may restore sight for patients with progressive vision loss
My grandfather suffered from age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which causes loss of vision over time. By the time he passed away in his late 70s, he was almost blind. ARMD progresses from the “inside” of your visual field to the outside, so those affected are unable to see that which they are looking at directly. [...]
Robotic surgery not evolving quickly enough, say docs
The da Vinci Surgical System was revolutionary when it was debuted by Intuitive Digital in 1999. The system consists of several components, including a console that is situated near the operating table. This console allows the surgeon to control the three to four robot arms that replace the traditional surgeon’s tools. The robotic arms are [...]