Global Engineering

6 Biomedical Breakthroughs That Revolutionized Medicine

6 Biomedical Breakthroughs That Revolutionized Medicine

Biomedical engineering is a specialized field of engineering that involves the design of both procedures and devices that can improve the lives and well-being of patients.

Such innovations also allow doctors and surgeons to more effectively solve healthcare problems, leading to a healthier population overall. Here are 5 of the world’s greatest biomedical breakthroughs that changed the industry for the better.

#6: Eko Core

This modern biomedical device is able to collect data gathered from a connected stethoscope and upload it to the cloud. From there, doctors and other professionals can download the information and transfer it to a smartphone, tablet, or any other device of their preference.

The data supplied by the Eko Core is far more accurate than a doctor’s listening on its own, and can be used to avoid the use of specialized care in cases in which it is not necessary.

#5: CRISPR Genome Editing

CRISPR has been dubbed the medical development of the century, with experts predicting that the scientists who developed the technology will win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry sometime in the foreseeable future.

The genome editing practice allows our very genetic codes to be altered in order to eliminate pathogens, diseases, genetic mutations and more. In time, this development could revolutionize medicine and lead to healthier, physically stronger generations.

#4: Brain-Machine Interfaces

This powerful technology allows human brains to communicate directly with wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other assistive devices to make them move on command. When the interfaces were first revealed in 2012, they cost millions to purchase, but thanks to continuous advancements, costs are being lowered by the year while their efficacy continues to become startlingly accurate.

Perhaps one day patients will even be able to play bingo Canada using a brain-machine interface and prosthetic limbs!

#3: Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology describes the engineering of nanoparticles; microscopic particles that can be used to detect and treat cancers and certain other diseases at a cellular level. So-called nanomaterials are used to transfer dyes to isolated areas, which act as contrast agents to highlight tumors and abnormal cells.

The nanoparticles can then be used to carry treatment drugs directly to the site of the tumor, instead of having to radiate or treat the entire body or system with chemotherapy.

#2: Electrocardiographs

EKG machines have been around for over a century now, but their development allowed doctors to tell whether or not a patient’s heart was functioning correctly for the very first time.

While electrocardiographs do not always pinpoint the first signs of heart disease, they can be used during rest, exercise, or even daily patient activities, providing diagnostic advantages in other essential ways.

#1: X-Ray Machines

This is another decades-old technology that forever changed the face of healthcare. When these machines were first introduced, medical professionals could physically see broken bones, skeletal malformations and ailments, and even dental cavities for the first time.

X-rays are highly informative of a wide range of conditions without being invasive, and together with MRI and ultrasound technologies have revolutionized the concept of modern patient care.