It is reassuring to know that our healthcare is in the capable hands of influential women. Humanity has always been in pursuit to defeat the odds of life and death. The progress in medical care we are seeing today opens the door to a bright future where the health issues we experience today will belong in the past.
Groundbreaking discoveries have been made that shape the health industry as a powerful biological weapon against our main health threats. We have a lot of influential women in healthcare to thank for that. Let’s see how exactly these strong individuals have created a better future for us.
1. Neurological conditions are about to receive a cure
Cori Bargmann has dedicated her entire career to uncovering the mysteries of the brain. One of the most influential women is the leading scientist behind a very ambitious and project, BRAIN Initiative. This is a public-private research institute that has the goal to create innovative technologies that will allow scientists to finally understand more functions of the brain.
There are millions of neurons which makes it impossible for scientists to analyze their infinite interconnected activities. However, that which is impossible for humans can be made possible by computers. So, the project aims at understanding the connection between brain and behavior which will ultimately shed light on the causes of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer, autism or depression. Cori Bargmann has gathered a team of experts in the last year that will help her crack the mysterious human brain. Her vision penetrates even the technological field, where the computers of the future will function more like a network of neurons.
2. Bone transplants are revolutionized
Let’s take a look the traditional picture of a bone transplant surgical procedures. There were two strategies to handle a bone condition. First off, there is the autograft procedure. The surgeons are cutting a piece of the patient’s skeleton. Then, that piece is used to reconstruct the damaged bone. However, this method can cause ulterior issues, as the human body doesn’t have unnecessary bone parts. Thus the two parts of the body that were surgically altered will continue to be sensitive and even painful the entire life.
The second procedure is the synthetic implant. The damaged bone is reconstructed in the laboratory and then surgically implanted in the skeleton. However, the synthetic materials are not viable in the long run, and an ulterior injury can ruin the whole operation.
In other words, the traditional reconstructive procedures were painful and dangerous. But things changed when Nina Tandon presented a new approach. She gained the title of an influential woman when she became the CEO of EpiBone and the first scientist that can genetically reconstruct bones with stems cells. The procedure uses the latest technology that can control the bone growth to obtain the exact needed shape and size. The new bones share the same DNA as the host body thanks to the stem cells which means that there will be no longer any need for expensive medication. The body will consider the bone as its own, and the immune system won’t fight to get it out of the body.
3. A future generation of super babies
Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, Canavan disease, spinal muscular atrophy, and Haemophilia are just some of the many ways through which our genetics can put our health in jeopardy. Nobody had the knowledge to prevent or cure these mutations that affect the body and personal life.
However, in the last few years, the genetic engineering has been reinvented thanks to the discovery of CRISPR. This is a segment of DNA which has been created to track down and eliminate the targeted parts. It’s a breakthrough because now the scientists can remove the damaged DNA that causes genetic disorders.
The procedure is precise, which makes the genetic changes relatively easy. This means that now it is possible to edit the DNA and improve everything that depends on this molecule, such as growth, development, reproduction and functioning of all living organisms, including humans. The genetic disorders will be history, and the secrets of DNA will be deciphered.
Behind this great discovery of the CRISPR stands Professor Jennifer Doudna. She has also talked about the perfect kids whom genetic engineering can change the color of their eyes and even improve their intelligence.
4. Laparoscopic Surgery
Also called minimally invasive surgery, this revolutionary technique of performing surgeries has lead to limited morbidity and mortality during the surgical recovery.
Manjula Anagani is an influential woman from India who succeeded in a world of men and discovered the most ergonomic method for the minimally invasive surgery. These procedures ensure the safety of the patient and the convenience for the surgeons. The post operation recovery is less threatened by the risk of infections and it takes a smaller period of time to recover. Together with the help of stem cells, the gynecologist Manjula Anagani solved the amenorrhea issue, which is the absence of menstrual cycles and also helps women who suffer from absent vaginas.
The traditional 10mm incisions are now minimized to 3mm. The visibility is ensured by professional cameras that are powerful enough to create a panoramic view of the body. The surgical precision is even better now that the visibility transcends the 10 mm incision into a digital world.
These are just a few of the healthcare industry changes conducted by powerful, influential women. There are many more people who devoted their life to the well being of the human society, and their achievements pushed the healthcare into the future.
Marc Mendelman is an HR professional who contributes mostly to the employee login database of Today Assistant. He is on a mission to cover, to the best of his knowledge and experience, the queries of both employment-seekers and employment-providers. Passionate about the impressive leadership skills of those who set the tone of progress, Marc remains a gentle observer and provider.
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