Advancements in global healthcare are constantly transforming and improving disease detection and treatment. Ever since the first vaccine in the 18th century for smallpox, innovations in the digital sphere are revolutionizing medicine as a whole.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is believed to be part of the most significant healthcare revolution of the 21st century. When used in medicine, AI can detect and diagnose diseases at an earlier stage. Recently, AI has been used to review mammograms with almost 100% accuracy, which reduces the need for biopsies. AI is also used to detect the early stages of lung cancer. Specifically, it is used to interpret chest x-rays to reduce lung cancer mortality rates.
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) gene-editing technology has been introduced to “cut out” infected strands of DNA. CRISPR technology uses natural mechanisms to invade viruses and take out infected DNA. Through altering cell mutations, conditions such as sickle cell, cancer, HIV, and cystic fibrosis have the potential to be treated instead of only managed.
Scientists in the U.S. have introduced smart bandages. These bandages use sensors to monitor wound healing and have proven to enhance skin recovery, promote faster wound closure, and increase blood flow to the injured tissue. In addition to speeding up the healing process, these bandages keep track of the wound’s improvement.
Technology has been a critical component in revolutionizing global healthcare, and has continued improving the quality of care medical teams can offer their patients.
Thank you for reading,
Ilana Saidov