The Technology Review website compiled five of the most important advances in biomedicine during 2009, studies on the genetics of cancer to improve treatment, into sound waves to reduce risks in surgery and the greatest challenge was the need for rapid vaccine against Influenza AH1N1 are part of that count.
Cancer genomic code. In October 2009 it announced that it had decoded the genome of two common types of cancer, lung and skin and thus help to have a genetic profile of different types that exist. A map of this disease could not only prevent but also according to genes, providing the most appropriate treatment for the patient.
Know the behavior of cancer cells would help, for example, that physicians provide situations in which metastasis occurs and thus, according to the patient’s genetic profile to attack the disease more adequately.
A drug that increases longevity in mammals. A study conducted in mice may help slow the effects of aging in humans too. The drug called Rapamycin, commonly used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs was analyzed and found that can help to increase 9 to 13% of life expectancy in mammals. Currently not used in humans but the discovery of this effect would help develop similar treatments.
Influenza Vaccines AH1N1. The appearance, during the month of April, this new strain of influenza virus forced health authorities around the world to find a vaccine. It was the first time that pharmaceutical companies were forced to get a quick solution from cells, unlike regular vaccines made from egg.
New drugs have been based insect cells such as caterpillars, another vaccine was developed from a particular protein of the virus and not with a deactivated or weakened version of it. The U.S. company Protein Sciences was responsible for conducting investigations.
Discover origin of the IQ. One study showed that intelligence depend on people who weave their networks rather than neurons in brain size or the number of cells possessing. The white matter that covers the neuronal wiring, would have a definite role in the degree of intelligence mentioned research.
Brain Surgery with sound. InSightec The company designed a high-density ultrasound allows the emotion of damaged tissue from the brain waves that pierce the skull, thereby avoiding complicated traditional surgeries.
HIFU waves can also be used for deep neural processing in the brain, like Parkinson’s disease could be treated with this sound wave technology.
Tags: AH1N1, Biomedical