When people discuss innovations in technology, they tend to think about the latest advances in electronic devices, such as the latest-generation iPhones, curved televisions or kitchen appliances that can be controlled remotely.
However, some of the most interesting and impressive innovations are occurring in the healthcare world – advances no one could have imagined just a few years ago.
Here are a few examples:
An anti-aging drug
According to an article in the International Business Times, the FDA-approved drug Metformin could be used to help treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease patients, and could be the key to prolonging human life.
“If we can slow aging in humans, even by just a little bit, it would be monumental. People could be older, and feel young,” said Dr. Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Metformin is currently been used to treat Type 2 diabetes. The FDA has approved human trials with the drug to see if can slow down the aging process. Researchers said they believe the drug could allow people to live up to 120 years.
During a European animal trial, Belgian researchers found that roundworms aged more slowly without wrinkles and overall were healthier.
Depression treated with virtual reality
According to an article in The Huffington Post, virtual reality simulations were used in a study conducted by University College London and University of Barcelona – ICREA to teach sympathy. Out of 15 patients, five demonstrated improvement in their condition, while four showed decreased signs of depression.
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Published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Open, the study suggests that virtual reality therapy could help treat depression symptoms by improving their self-worth.
“Self-compassion is important in soothing feelings of distress, and without it, distress can escalate and become unbearable,” Dr. Chris Brewin, University College London professor and the study’s lead author, told The Huffington Post.
Exoskeleton suit to help paraplegics walk
Paraplegics can walk again thanks to an exoskeleton suit created by Berkeley-Calif.-based startup SuitX.
Known as the Phoenix, the relatively lightweight suit (27 pounds) has hip joint motors that help control movement. The motors work together with crutches to produce propulsion.
According to the suit’s designers, “To take a step, the user presses a button on whichever crutch corresponds to the side of the body they want to move. This signals the hip to swing forward, while an onboard computer simultaneously loosens the knee joint and clears it off the ground. Right before impact, the knee joint stiffens again to support the step.”
The suit isn’t as expensive as you would think, either. While other exoskeleton suits sell for $70,000-to-$120,000 each, the Phoenix suit costs a mere $40,000.
“We’re committed to bringing these devices to a large number of people,” Homayoon Kazerooni, SuitX’s CEO told the San Francisco Chronicle.
