Research and Progress in Medicine
“Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.”
Victor Hugo
In the beginning of the 21st century, we could say with certainty that the age of fifty or sixty is just the beginning of the second half of our lives.
Research and progress in Medicine and New evidence concerning the deeper causes of aging (Nobel Prize in Medicine 2009), but also diseases (Nobel Prize in Medicine 2011) that reduce life expectancy (Chronic and Autoimmune Diseases), confirm constantly that it is possible to increase the average life span.
Thus, the rule that is true for all mammals, i.e. to live nine times the time required to reach adulthood, will soon be the case for human beings, too.
Many Sciences produce constantly new data supporting this view, studies from all over the world capture it, and Nobel Prizes in Medicine confirm it.
Three roads to Longevity and Good Health
How we choose to live
A landmark study on a sample of more than 1500 individual, which was carried out by Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin, Health Scientists, demonstrates that conscientiousness and the number of social bonds are two good indicators concerning Longevity in relation to lifestyle.
The study included individuals who were born around 1910.
Simply put, individuals who avoid harmful habits (abuse of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and other substances), as well as those involved in less risky activities, which does not necessarily mean that they take no risk, but they think more rationally to specify the limits in each case, live longer.
People that use the seat belt in the car, listen to their doctor and avoid living in guilt increase their chances for longevity.
Research has also demonstrated that individuals with a larger social circle live longer, especially when they also have an essential role within their social circle to provide assistance and help the “others”, busting the famous saying the good die young.
Facing invisible enemies
In an attempt to specify the deeper causes of diseases and aging, modern Sciences, such as Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Genetics among others, show us what goes on when life begins.
It was only in 2012 that the Nobel Prize in Medicine concerned the way we can reprogram our cells, from scratch.
Cells contain genetic information, which are necessary for the production of new cells.
This information is included in the genome, and even deeper, in another set of mechanisms within the cell, the epigenome.
This determines the way in which DNA genetic information is expressed.
The Epigenome activates or deactivates groups of genomes that respond to the cell’s biochemical needs, as well as to environmental factors, such as diet, stress and toxins.
New types of Exams, like Genetic and Gene tests, help us in the early diagnosis and prevention of Chronic and Autoimmune Diseases.
Furthermore, new blood indicators concerning prognosis, as well as the importance in relation to diagnosis, completely differentiated from the old blood checkups, help us in early and accurate diagnosis, as well as in their treatment.
Medicine now uses a treatment with micronutrients, which are in the form of protocols and accurately determine the dose and type of elements needed to supplement the organism’s deficiency or oxidation, which are captured through the exams.
Bio-identical Hormones play also a crucial role.
Bio-identical Hormones mimic exactly human hormones.
They are Natural and Anticancer hormones.
They do not cause adverse events.
They immediately help in fully restoring the natural mechanisms of action inside cells, as well as the self-healing system of the human body as a whole.
Moreover, stem cell (embryonic or adult) treatments are constantly gaining ground, and they are established as miraculous in numerous diseases.
Research and progress in medicine – New Medical Technologies
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Pharming
This is another new technology, which modifies plants, animals and bacteria in order to produce biological- mechanical products, such as vaccines or proteins
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Proteomics
This is a technology in which proteins are manufactured in the laboratory, and we use them for diagnostic, but mainly for therapeutic purposes.
Gene therapies
These are divided into:
Indirect gene therapies, which are in progress
Direct intervention gene therapies, which are combined with adult stem cell therapies.
Nanotechnology and Invasive Robotics
Nanoparticles, one thousand times smaller than red blood cells, can easily enter and circulate within the human body.
Treatments that will be possible thanks to the applications of Nanotechnology in Medicine will contribute decisively in the treatment of diseases in the near future.
Atheromatous plaque may soon be treated with a single intravenous injection.
Magnetic Nanoparticles are already administered, at a preclinical stage, in Germany.
They go to the brain’s Cancerous tumors and then they destroy locally through hyperthermia Cancerous cells.
The difference of magnetic fields among organs can lead drugs to target it.
Thus we can avoid Generalized Chemotherapy.
Robotic Medical Applications
In medical practice, Robotic technology is used in almost all Surgical Specialties.
From 1980, when the first Robotic brain biopsy was attempted, until today that Robotic applications are revolutionizing in Cardiac Surgery, Orthopedics, Urology and General Surgery, Robotic systems are gaining ground because of their safety and autonomy, always in the presence of a skilled surgeon, of course.
The possibilities that Robotic Medicine offers us, today but also in the future, are priceless.
