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Recent Developments in Health

If you haven't been quite up to date about what's new in human health and technology, then you're in for some surprising news. Scientists, as we know, are constantly looking for cures, solutions and improvements to certain health and body issues; and with technology having developed hugely in the digital age, researchers have more ways than ever to find the golden answer to the big questions of the day. Technology hasn't only improved our every day lives by the use of electronic tools and devices, and the intelligence of the web, it has also helped further refine the health field and opened up heaps of new possibilities. The following (rather unbelievable) developments have all been reported recently, and here they are before your very eyes.

1. A new body part discovered

Strange as it may sound, studies have been recently expanding on the unfamiliarity of a particular part of the knee, drawing the interest of several researchers. A French surgeon named Paul Segond first referred to a "pearly, resistant fibrous band" found along the ligaments within the human knee, in his study back in 1879; and other scientists picked up his work nearly 150 years later, in 2013. Their findings confirmed a new human body part in the knee, that was identified by its special tissue and well-defined structure. That same year is also known for the curious discovery of yet another human body part - this time in the eye. This is the "Dua's Layer", a microscopic layer of the cornea that had not previously been detected.

2. The much-awaited brain-computer interface

You might have heard about brain-computer interfaces, the arrival of which many have envisaged happening in the future. Apparently this 'future' wasn't so very far away, as new breakthroughs have ensured that the idea has now become reality. Scientists from the Korea University and Technological University in Germany came up with a new interface thatallows humans to control an exoskeleton of the lower limbs through brain signals. These brain signals are recorded through an electroencephalogram (EEG) cap worn on the head, and are operated by having the user staring at one of five LEDs on the interface, representing different movements such as sitting or standing. Although it has only been tested on healthy individuals so far, the scientists' intentions are that it will help the disabled eventually.

3. A device that uses thought to move paralyzed limbs

If you think the development of the brain-computer interface is surprising, this discovery will blow your mind. Now, it's not only possible to move parts of your body by using your eyes, it can also be done merely by thought. After the efforts between Ohio State University and Batelle, paralysed man Ian Burkhart became the first man in the world to succeed in bypassing the spinal cord and moving a limb using his thoughts. This amazing event happened in 2010, and can be seen in the above video. In order to make it possible, a chip had to be implanted in Burkhart's brain, right into the motor cortex, the part responsible for body movement.  This required considerable time, effort and training, but the fascinating outcomes make it all worthwhile. Burkhart can now rotate his hand, make a fist and pinch his fingers together to grasp objects.

4. A bacteria that helps smokers quit by eating nicotine

All chain smokers know how difficult it is to quit smoking. There may be products that can help aid the process, but 80% fail. Recent studies have found that a certain bacterial enzyme can make this process easier. This breakthrough happened in 2015, when researchers at the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology at the Scipps Research Institute discovered that this particular bacterial enzyme, found in the bacteria Pseudomonas putida, can consume nicotine before it ever reaches the brain. Because of this result, scientists hope that it will prevent the smokers' desire to smoke. Experiments on this enzyme using lab mice are currently ongoing to make sure there are no associated risks when using it.

5. A universal vaccine for influenza

Influenza is a deadly viral illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs, and it has also triggered various pandemics throughout history, such as the widespread 1918 pandemic. It's estimated that it has caused the death of an overwhelming 30-50 million people around the world.  In 2012, with the help of technology, researchers from the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreen Virology Ltd have found a new set of peptides (short chains of amino acids that are found on the structures of cells) on influenza viruses, which may lead to a solution to prevent influenza. The solution is the use of universal vaccines, which make the individual more immune to the illness. Current vaccines do not provide this immunity for a long time. However, it is envisioned that soon, it will be much more durable.

​Circulated by:

K.Raman​

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Posted by: Raman K <kraman_4@yahoo.com>

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