The coronavirus pandemic has been making headlines since 2020. What are the medical breakthroughs that you might have missed in the meantime? This comprehensive article goes through some of the most significant medical advances you may have missed during COVID-19. We discuss ten outstanding medical breakthroughs, including SCD or sickle cell disease, the first blood test for Alzheimer’s, patient care volunteer opportunities, and more.
Before jumping straight in, we highly recommend participating in paid clinical research studies in Miami, Florida. One of the benefits of being a clinical research volunteer is that you will gain a chance to play an active role in your own healthcare and you will be serving the greater good by helping to advance the field of medicine. Moreover, a clinical research volunteer can gain access to new treatments. Sound interesting? Currently, a clinical research volunteer can take part in a novel birth control pill study and more. If you are searching for medical research studies that pay, this is a superb chance for you.
With this in mind, let’s discuss the top 10 medical breakthroughs for 2022, as well as some interesting patient care volunteer opportunities.
New Obesity Medication Breakthrough
Obesity is plaguing the world, with more and more people eating unhealthy and living sedentary lifestyles. Currently, over 40% of the U.S. population is considered obese. Fortunately, a novel medication for obesity has arrived, offering solace to many Americans at risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses associated with obesity. The new drug is an injectable medication called semaglutide or Wegovy.
Even though the research behind this new medication is not brand new, the long-term effects of this medication may not be entirely known. If you think you are a good candidate for this medication, be sure to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss further.
Portable MRI Devices in Hospitals
Many biomedical innovations save time and lives, such as the new rolling or portable MRIs. Now, it is easier to assess life-or-death situations such as stroke with an MRI device professionals can bring to the patient’s bedside. This device is called the Swoop MRI, and it was devised with input from Yale Medicine in Connecticut. In 2020, it was approved for use by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and it is already used in several hospitals in the United States.
Progress in the field of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is relatively common in the United States, with 1 out of 8 men suffering from this condition. Unfortunately, in some cases, the disease can be fatal. Recently, researchers and experts have discovered a new technique to drive radiation directly into the cancer cells using lutetium-177-PSMA-617.
A Possible Cure for Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) has been affecting individuals for over 5,000 years. Patients with this condition have red blood cells shaped like a sickle, leading to clogged blood vessels and immense pain. Based on the results of research performed at Boston Children’s Hospital, a special virus may switch off the gene that leads to the condition. The research revealed outstanding results, and almost all of the participants no longer required blood transfusions. While further investigation is needed, this is certainly a breakthrough in this disease.
The First Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Around 5.8 million people in the US have Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, a neurologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Randall Bateman, MD, is excited to have helped in making the first blood test for this condition possible. The test is called the PrecivityAD, an effective method of detecting amyloid plaques, the condition’s hallmark. C2N Diagnostics created the test, a company co-founded by Dr. Batemen, and it is currently awaiting FDA approval.
MDMA or Ecstasy for PTSD Relief
Some of the many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD include intense flashbacks, nightmares, fear, and anger. Around 15 million adults in the US suffer from this condition each year. According to experts, MDMA or the illegal drug called ecstasy can be a potential treatment solution. It is known that MDMA releases a potent supply of serotonin, causing an overall sense of happiness. However, before this alternative treatment can get FDA approval, experts need to conduct more research. In addition, the stigma of MDMA being a “party drug” is still prevalent, raising other ethical questions as well.
Saying Goodbye to Pesky Migraines
Migraines are very common in the US, with over 38 million individuals experiencing them. Many different medications serve as treatments for migraines, including antidepressants, anti-hypertensives, and even Botox injections. However, in 2018, experts developed novel medications for migraine pain relief that may be more effective and have fewer side effects. In 2020, experts started actively prescribing these FDA-approved medications.
Boosted Lung Function in Babies Born Prematurely
Babies born before term can be frail and underweight, needing specialized care such as ventilation. Newborns with infant respiratory distress syndrome or IRDS need surfactant during mechanical ventilation. However, enter b-CPAP, a non-invasive strategy for ventilation. This method delivers continuous positive airway pressure to the baby to maintain proper lung volumes. B-CPAP is safer and more effective.
Treating Hepatitis C Universally
Hepatitis C is a great health problem in the United States, also classified as the silent epidemic. Infections with this disease can result in severe health problems like liver cancer and liver failure. A novel medication has been shown to improve the disease’s treatment, with over 90% effective rates for genotypes one through six.
Saving the Lives of Mothers
Globally, over one-third of cases related to maternal deaths during childbirth are due to postpartum hemorrhage or severe blood loss. The leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, or failure of the uterus to contract after delivery of the baby. A new method for saving lives includes a novel vacuum device for aiding natural post-birth contractions. This FDA-approved device is called the Jada vacuum uterine tamponade, and it works by putting pressure on the leaking blood vessels.
I Want to Help with Medical Research! How Can I Participate in or Join a Study?
Advances in medical research are only possible through the help of volunteers like yourself. By participating in a medical research study, you can help provide data to improve current medications or treatments, further understand certain diseases or syndromes, or help develop new treatments. It is a great way to give back to your community and help others. Very often, you are compensated or paid for your participation and you can even be reimbursed for certain expenses.
If you are interested in feminine-related research studies and you are searching for medical research studies that pay, we’ve got you covered. At New Age Medical Research, we are constantly involved in ongoing clinical trials and research studies and are always looking for new patients and volunteers! Feel free to visit our website and contact us if you are interested in getting involved. Our research company was started by Dr. Janet Gersten, a long-time member of the OBGYN community in South Florida. She and her identical triplet daughters, Dr. Joanna Bedell, Dr. Sarah Bedell, and Dr. Victoria Bedell all work together in the same office and are involved in the research studies.
