One field that is rapidly evolving thanks to the progress of technology is medicine. As technology continues to advance, the quality of life for people the world over will improve. There have also been a lot of new exciting developments in recent years that are sure to improve modern medicine and the work of medical laboratories.
1. Genome Sequencing
Something that will have a huge impact on how healthcare is administered to patients is genome sequencing. Genome sequencing is a laboratory process that can determine the sequencing of a person’s DNA. Being able to better understand the human genome and perform genome sequencing affordably will allow healthcare professionals to give more personalized care to patients. They may, for example, be able to detect the possibility of a genetically inherited disease years before the first symptoms even appear.
2. Better Lab Stirrers
The more nuts and bolts aspect of performing laboratory research has also benefited from recent advances in technology. Stirrers available from companies like Arrow Engineering have the ability to more efficiently and effectively mix liquids and compounds in a laboratory than ever before. This can mean more accurate lab results to apply towards medical research.
3. Nanotechnology that Fights Disease
Currently, there is much concern in the world of medicine that disease may eventually grow resistant to treatment through antibiotics. This has fueled research to find alternatives for fighting disease including nanotechnology. In the future, tiny machines powered by even tinier batteries may be used to fend off invading bacteria in certain parts of the body. The research looks promising.
4. Wearable Health Sensors
Wearable technology is also making waves in how medicine is practiced. For example, a patient may soon be able to wear a sensor in the form of a necklace, ring or watch that can transmit information about that patient’s health status to professionals via a Wi-Fi connection. This information can then be tracked so the doctor caring for that patient can adjust his treatment accordingly. If the patient experiences a dangerous health event like a heart attack, the device will be able to automatically request help from the nursing staff or EMTs.
5. 3D Printing
Recently, organs such as ears and even arteries have been recreated in minute detail through the use of 3D printers. While creating actual working replacements for organs through 3D printing is still far off, it is now a definite possibility.
The rapid progression of new technology being applied to healthcare is certainly exciting. It is quite likely that we will all live longer and healthier in the future thanks to the application of these new technologies.