Medical Future

Most Important Medical Breakthroughs of the 2000s

Jennifer — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:41:20 +0000

The 2000s were an incredible decade for medicine. Doctors acknowledge that our knowledge of medical science grew faster in the last ten years than it had in the preceding decade. Every year brought us at least one (and sometimes two or even three!) brand new technique, vaccine, or drug that would improve our lives, help us lose weight, resist cancer, treat new diseases, and increase our awareness of the way our bodies work.

Generally, science moves slowly and the most major breakthroughs come about after years of research or accidental observation (like the discovery of penicillin for example). However, in the 2000s, scientists reaped the benefit of a century of study in the space of ten short years – a millisecond compared to the average pace of research. We have the scientists and doctors of the 2000s to thank for bringing our knowledge of medicine into the 21st century with breakthroughs that were unimaginable just a few short years ago.

Face Transplant Surgery

Why It Matters: It may sound like something out of a 50’s B-movie, but successful face transplant surgery is now a reality that is giving veterans, victims, and other disfigured individuals a chance at a normal life. Doctors were experimenting with facial reconstructive surgery as early as 1996, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that the procedure became viable. French surgeons performed a partial face transplant in 2005. In December 2008, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic successfully performed a face transplant on Connie Culp, victim of a gunshot wound to the face. Though the procedure is still in it’s infancy, doctors’ ability to reconstruct a recognizable visage is a beacon of hope for anyone who has suffered facial disfiguration.

HPV Vaccine

Why It Matters: In 2006, a vaccine preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) was made available in the United States. HPV is the most common STD contracted by adults it is estimated that 80% of American women will have the virus by the age of 50. Though most of these women will have no complications arising from the virus, HPV can and does cause cervical displaysia, a painful disorder which is a pre-cursor to cervical cancer. The vaccine, approved for women in 2006 and men in 2009, made it possible to prevent an HPV infection, thereby cutting the risk of cervical cancer for American women. The development of this vaccine is most likely the single most important medical achievement for women in the 2000s.

Brown Fat

Why It Matters: Obesity is a rising problem in the United States, along with other western nations. It seems like our country has been on a diet for the past 50 years, going on the idea that all fat is bad fat. In the 2000s, scientists proved that this old trope just isn’t true. Infants are born with stores of so-called “brown fat” – mitochondria packed, dark-hued fat cells that actually burn energy, unlike white fat. It was previously thought that all brown fat was replaced by white fat by adulthood, however scientists discovered that adults actually do retain brown fat, especially in cold climates. This discovery makes it more likely that we will see fat-based drugs meant to combat obesity and weight-gain in the very near future.

Stem-Cell Research

Why It Matters: Though stem cell research has been a political topic throughout the decade, scientists and researches have quietly been continuing to study how these amazing cells can improve our lives and combat diseases such as cancer. In 2009, Japanese scientists figured out how to use adult stem cells – rather than embryonic stem cells – to regenerate a fully functioning rodent’s tooth. Sure, it’s just a tooth, but as a working “replacement part” grown from stem cells, the tooth represents just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what will one day be accomplished using stem cells.

Discovery of XMRV Virus

Why It Matters: Individuals suffering from chronic fatigue disorder and fibromyalgia received some relief late in the decade with the discovery of XMRV – a retrovirus that scientists now believe is at the root of the diseases. Both chronic fatigue disorder and fibromyalgia cause chronic pain and proved difficult to diagnose due to their varied symptoms and lack of identifiable cause – until now. In an important study, scientists at the Whittemore Peterson Institute discovered the presence of XMRV in a majority of chronic fatigue sufferers, as oppose to healthy people. This new knowledge has validated the tricky disorder as a quantifiable disease cause by a recognized virus and prompted the development of new, more effective treatment for the affected.

Mapping the Human Genome

Why It Matters: What would you do if you were lost in the woods without a map? You’d be forced to blindly discern a way out, hoping that you were going in the right direction. Before the human genome was mapped, scientists studying genetic disorders may as well have been lost in the woods without a map. Without specific information about the basic compounds that make up the human body and how they work, many medical advances remained out of reach. In 2000, researches completed a map of the human genome, which showed us not only the entire genetic make up of humanity, but how to get navigate the over 3 billion letters of DNA that is the blueprint for the human body. Immediately, the map gave doctors and scientists the ability to predict, recognize, and prevent genetic mutations that cause cancer and other defects. In 2003, the map was updated and released on the Internet, for free.

Natural Control Prostheses

Why It Matters: We all know the image of the one-legged pirate, stomping around a wooden peg in lieu of a proper leg. While that poor pirate may represent the shoddy past of prosthetics, the 2000s brought advancements in the development and design of artificial limbs like never before. Doctors have now developed artificial limbs that not only have sensory qualities, but also that can be controlled by the mind. This is accomplished by grafting remaining nerve ending from the lost limb to the prosthetic replacement. Thanks to the medical breakthroughs of the 2000s, individuals who lose limbs in war or other accidents have a rosier future.

Circumcision for HIV Prevention

Why It Matters: HIV and AIDS prevention has been on the top of the list for doctors for the past few decades. Though scientists have yet to create a viable AIDS vaccine, the discovery of other procedures that can cut the risk of HIV infection have saved countless lives in the interim. In studies conducted in 2006 and 2007, researchers discovered that male circumcision could potentially reduce the risk of HIV infection by 50% in men having relations with HIV-infected women. Though a large-scale study of the effectiveness of circumcision in the United States has yet to be conducted, this medical breakthrough will prove very important to African countries where HIV rates are enormously high.

Over-the-Counter Plan B

Why It Matters: Plan B is a super-powerful dose of birth control that, when taken within 48 hours of sexual relations, prevents conception. This emergency contraception was approved by the FDA in 1999, but was not available for over-the-counter purchase until 2006. Debate erupted over the pill, as politicians claimed such easy access would encourage reckless behavior in young women. Despite the hand-wringing, as of 2009 Plan B is accessible to all woman aged 17 and up. What the political future holds is uncertain, but access to emergency contraception without a prescription is the greatest breakthrough for reproductive rights since the development of the birth control pill.

Atripla: One-A-Day HIV Medicine

Why It Matters: Before 2006, HIV patients would down a cocktail of drugs everyday to control their infection. A complex treatment regiment that demanded dosage at specific time every single day made it difficult for patients to stay on schedule. The introduction of Atripla, a fixed dose drug, negated the need for heavy organization and reduced the daily drug intake to a single pill per day. Atripla has made it easier for HIV patients to control the virus through regular medication. As an estimated 33 million people in the world have HIV, Atripla is a major breakthrough in prevention and care.

100 Inspiring Blogs for People Affected by Chronic Illness

Jennifer — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:15:26 +0000

The internet is full of people sharing inspiring stories and experiences for dealing with chronic illness, either in themselves or with someone they love. The following sites are a great starting point for anyone in search of information or compassion.

A Chronic Dose – Author Laurie Edwards writes about living well with a chronic illness: managing your own health care without letting it take over your life
Celiac Chicks – Kelly and Kim share informative and entertaining thoughts and findings on celiac disease to help others deal with dietary restrictions and make a smooth transition to living with gluten intolerance.
Sick Girl Speaks – Tiffany believes that, given her life’s experiences, it is her duty to lend a hand to those struggling to find their way through the world of illness.
Emergiblog - San Francisco nurse, Kim McAllister, uses Emergiblog as a forum to share her experiences as a nurse in the emergency department and other topics related to nursing.
Diabetes Mine – According to author Amy Tenderich, this site contains “4 years’ worth of info on every imaginable aspect of living with diabetes — from food scales to pharma news and book reviews, to the exasperating things other people say.”
Duncan Cross – Duncan Cross’s blog is about “being ill, and anything relevant to that experience.”
Brass and Ivory – Lisa Emerich blogs about healthcare about pharmaceutical industry, mixed in with thoughts on multiple sclerosis.
Beating Social Anxiety – Ileana, a full-time working mom and a project manager for database systems, writes about her experiences with social anxiety.
Cystic Gal – The Cystic Gal, Mary ElizaBeth Peters, writes about living with cystic fibrosis.
Climbing the Pill-alayas – Meghann writes about her experiences with Bronchiectasis and receiving a double lung transplant.
Revive Hope – Revive Hope is a group blog that shares inspirational stories and new information about organ and tissue donation.
Branden’s Transplant – Branden and Kristi share a first-person account of Branden’s pancreas-kidney transplant.
Donorcycle – TC writes about working as an organ procurement transplant coordinator in a major metropolitan area.
Donate Life Illinois Blog – This blog focuses on outreach initiatives, expert insight and commentary pertaining to the organ/tissue donation community.
The Fifth Lung – Will writes the Fifth Lung as a creative outlet and shares experiences with lung transplants and living with cystic fibrosis.
Love to Breathe – Somer Love blogs to raise awareness and help educate everyone on CF.
Salty and Sweet - The Salty and Sweet blog was created to help those afflicted with CG band together, share with each other, and fight these horrendous diseases together.
Living Life Breathlessly – Alice Vosloo shares stories from her new normal life after undergoing a bi-lateral lung transplant on 22 Jan 2008.
Professional Patient – Val writes about applying your business skills to improving your life as patient.
Femail Health News – Denver Doc brings you the latest in medical research and office notes from a primary care physician.
Musings of a Dinosaur – This blog features the thoughts of an author and solo family doctor.
Six Until Me – Kerri Morrone Sparling puts an upbeat spin on advice about living with type 1 diabetes.
The Assertive Patient – Author Jeanne Sather is an outspoken advocate for the cancer patient’s point of view.
But You Don’t Look Sick – This site is about living life to the fullest with any disability, invisible disease, or chronic pain.
Every Patient’s Advocate – Trisha Torrey writes this blog about patient empowerment, advocacy, safety, consumerism and tools to navigate the dysfunction of American health care.
Align Map – Dr. Allan Showalter proposes a new way of enhancing the implementation of medical treatment that would benefit patients, doctors and others who are involved in the treatment process.
Power Stuttering Center – Mark Powers shares his personal journey from being a speech stutterer into a successful speech pathologist and shares how you can also overcome this impediment.
Bliss Tree Diseases and Conditions – Kori Ellis and her team provides valuable information such as tips and advice regarding the different medical diseases and conditions that are relevant to today’s modern society.
The Nurse Practitioner’s Place – This blog shares the experiences and musings of a nursing practitioner based in Florida.
Tales of a Nurse – This blog is a plethora of stories about the health care-related experiences of an intensive care nurse as well as her collection of stories of similar topic from other people.
Life in the NHS - This blogs tells the musings of a blogger on various topics but primarily about medical disorders.
Livin’ Large – Molly Brown provides her take on being an operating room nurse as she talks about the different issues and situations of today’s nurses.
Dust in the Wind – This blog tells the goings-on in the professional and personal life of a registered nurse at the tertiary care pediatric emergency unit.
Psychonurse’s Padded Cell – Cindy relays her busy life as a critical care nurse and a mother.
Head Nurse – This blog tells about the daily life of a nurse working in the critical care unit as she shares her wonderful and sometimes sad encounters with her patients.
Impacted Nurse – Ian Miller, a registered nurse working in the emergency unit in one of Australia’s teaching schools, offers his tips, advices and reflections that he hopes would help his fellow nurses think about better ways to give treatment to their patients.
Digital Doorway – Keith, a former public health nurse, provides his introspection about health, health care, nursing and life in general.
Tiggers Don’t Jump – Judy tells her tales of balancing life as a neonatal critical care nurse, mother, wife and citizen of this world.
PammieCakes – Pam, a labor and delivery nurse, writes about her thoughts and introspection about her job, her family and life overall.
ONCRN – This blog shares the joys and sorrows of being an oncology nurse.
Blissful Entropy – Erica talks about her life as an ER nurse, a mother, a fiancee, a writer, an editor and a survivor of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Raspberry Stethoscope – Nicole, a registered nurse, writers about her journey from being a nursing student to being a critical nurse as well as her passion towards health, food and fitness.
Nurse Ratched’s Place – This blog shares the experiences of a nurse caring for her patients and family members as well as her thoughts about current events that affect nurses today.
Girl in Greenwood – Emily Skinner, a nurse at a big county hospital, shares her wonderful and sometimes sad encounters with both her patients and their family members.
In Our Own Words – Peggy Dryden and her Medscape Nurses team has established an online community through this blog for nurses to discuss and interact regarding their professional experiences.
N is for Nurse – Prisca unfolds her creatively enhanced nursing adventures and misadventures.
Nurse Pickle – Crystal narrates her tales of being a nurse and her views about life in general.
17 Going on 50? – A nursing student offers her good and bad stories of fighting with type one diabetes as she hopes to encourage and motivate people who are also battling with this disease.
A Shot Heard Around the World – Denise aims to educate as well as inspire people who are battling with diabetes as she unravels her tales of fighting with type one diabetes.
A Shot in the Dark – Sandra Miller unfolds the joys and the sorrows her family goes through as her son battles with type one diabetes.
American Association of Diabetes Educators – This association aims to educate and guide people living with diabetes to know more about it and how to achieve proper lifestyle.
Aiming for Grace – This blog unfolds the tale of a person living with diabetes.
An Actor Prepares…To Live with Diabetes – Cecily, a twenty-two year old actress, relays her success and struggles with type one diabetes.
Living with Diabetes - This blog narrates and ups and downs of living with type two diabetes.
Annetics – Anne offers her inspirational stories of living high despite of diabetes.
Artificially Sweetened – This blog chronicles the life of a proud mother who is living with diabetes, depression and a couple more of diagnoses.
Ass Keeper – The author gives us a personal glimpse into her life as she fights bravely against diabetes.
Being ‘M’ – a female living in New Zealand shares her brave encounters against diabetes who also has a penchant for chocolate.
Diabetes Technology Blog – Author Bernard Farrell, a software architect from Massachusetts, takes on diabetes and talks about the technical aspects of devices and medication used to combat such an illness.
Bitter-Sweet Diabetes Blog – Karen inspires people by sharing her personal bout with diabetes.
Adventures of a Funky Heart! – Steve writes about his inspiring story of how he has survived a rare congenital heart defect known as Tricuspid Atresia.
After Cancer, Now What? – Kate Burton bravely shares her experiences living with breast cancer, which she hopes would inspire others who also have this condition and help them realize that they are not alone.
ChronicBabe.com – Jenni Prokopy founded ChronicBabe.com, an online community of young women who desire to be the best that they can be despite living with chronic illness.
Daved and Infused – This blog chronicles the journey of a man who is a participant in the clinical trial of a new medication that is hoping to cure multiple sclerosis.
Everything Changes – Celebrated author and thyroid cancer survivor Kairol Rosenthal talks poignantly about her own experiences on cancer and she even released a book entitled Everything Changes that chronicles the journey of twenty five young people who are fighting bravely with this debilitating disease.
An Autoimmune Disease Resource Site – This blog tells the tale of a woman who keeps her chin up as she lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis and she aims to educate and inspire everyone who is fighting with an illness.
Getting Closer to Myself – Through this blog, Leslie, a Rheumatoid Arthritis survivor, aims to promote an awareness on autoimmune diseases and help people who are dealing with this condition through tips and advice on how to make their lives a bit easier.
In Sickness and In Health – Barbara Kivowitz offers a wealth of information about tips and advice for couples dealing with chronic or acute illness.
Novel Patient – Lauren writes candidly about her ups and downs while living with a medley of autoimmune diseases.
Sick Momma – Aviva Brandt provides a collection of inspiring stories of how she balances her life as a mother and a wife while fighting with a chronic illness.
The Single Gal’s Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis – Through this blog, Sara is able to connect with other people who are also battling with Rheumatoid Arthritis as she writes regarding her courageous bout with this disease.
Tales of My Thirties – Sara unfolds her tales of how her chronic illness has changed her life and her relationships with her family and other people.
Florence dot com – Barbara Olson created this blog to educate people about the different tried and tested and new-found medical and health treatments.
Reality Rounds – a nurse and mom divulges about health care topics that are relevant to today’s society.
The ACP Advocate Blog by Bob Doherty – Bob Doherty of the American College of Physicians talks about different health care-related topics that are relevant today.
Doc Gurley, Posts from an Insane Healthcare System – Dr. Jan Gurley, a celebrated Internist physician, discusses about today’s health care issues.
Dr. Mintz’ Blog – Dr. Mathew Mintz talks about timely medical topics that people are concerned about today.
Kevin MD Medical Weblog – Dr. Kevin Pho discusses provides his thoughts on the latest medical news.
Medical Pastiche – Peter Savislak writes about pressing medical matters that are relevant today.
Movin’ Meat – An ER physician and administrator shares his notions about various medical topics as well as his take on life in general.
Musings of a Distractible Mind – Dr. Rob, a primary care physician, shares his serious and sometimes silly notions about different topics about health care.
Dorkabetic – Hannah lets us enter her world where she unfolds her experiences of living with type one diabetes.
In Search of Balance – Beth shows how she can still keep her spirits up despite living with type one diabetes.
Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Low – Val chronicles her journey as she fights with diabetes and at the same time, she provides her view on life in general.
Gramma Donna - This blog tells the tale of a grandmother whose granddaughter is diagnosed with type one diabetes and how they support each other through this ordeal.
If You or Your Luv’d One has Dy-Uh-Beatus… – Amber, a nursing student, offers her story of living life to the fullest despite of being a type one diabetic.
Life After DX–CGM Chronicles – William, a type one diabetic, presents his personal thoughts about the continuous glucose monitoring technology and at the same time, he talks about how he and his family copes with his illness.
New Nurses, Real Conversations – This is an online community of nurses where they discuss the realities of being a medical professional.
A Window for Your Home – One hospice nurse shares her professional experiences as well as her journey as a doctoral student focusing on family caregivers at end of life.
Major Beadhead – A woman expresses her views on life in general while she strongly hopes for a cure for diabetes.
My Diary as the Mom of a Diabetic Princess – Amy writes about how she and her family cope with one of her kid diagnosed with type one diabetes.
Noncompliant – Kathryn Palmer shares about her joys and sorrows of living with diabetes.
One Sweet Adventure – Emily guides us on her quest to live well despite of diabetes.
The Corner Booth – Michael Hoskins, a journalist, shares his views about life as he deals with diabetes.
The B.A.D. Blog – George Simmons tells his tale of being a father, husband, writer, musician and type one diabetic.
Your Diabetes May Vary – Bennet shares his story of how he and his family are coping with the type one diabetes that two of his kids have.
Rest Ministries Chronic Illness Pain Support – Rest Ministries is a Christian organization founded by Lisa Copen that offers support programs and resources to people afflicted with chronic illness.
Hope for Chronic Illness: Stories, Struggles and Helpful Tips – Tina offers guides as in her journey filled with happiness, sadness, successes and failures as she deals with a medley of different medical conditions and she hopes to inspire and help people who are also afflicted with chronic illness through her blog.
Living with Fibromylagia – Lindsey shares inspirational stories to people living with chronic illnesses like Fibromylagia Syndrome.
Meeting Life’s Challenges – Shelley Schwarz aims offers practical information, tips and advice that aim to help and inspire people dealing with chronic illness.

200+ Health and Medical Accounts Worth Following on Twitter

Jennifer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:23:24 +0000

This directory contains the most useful and interesting twitter streams relating to health and medicine. If you know of any great medical twitter users we’ve missed, please let us know.

Health Media – Bloggers, Authors, and News Sites
Doctors
Major Medical and Corporate Institutions
Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Health Media: Bloggers, Authors, and News Sites

Doctors and Medical Students

Major Medical Institutions and Corporations

Healthcare Professionals

Bacteria Might Extend Life

Jennifer — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:16:03 +0000

A remarkable drug found originally in Easter Island has been shown to have some amazing properties:

Skip forward 35 years and rapamycin has made a stunning journey from the soil of a Pacific island to the besides of the world’s hospitals. Its ability to suppress the immune system means that it’s given to transplant patients to stop them from rejecting their organs and its ability to stop cells from dividing has formed the basis of potential anti-cancer drugs. But the chemical has an even more interesting ability and one that has only just been discovered – it can extend lifespan, at least in mice.

Rapamycin – the Easter Island drug that extends lifespan of old mice