- In 2018, researchers made multiple significant medical discoveries and surgeons completed revolutionary surgeries.
- A French man became the first person to receive
- A
- Researchers created an injection that might prevent migraines and are looking into an effective and safe
ADVERTISEMENT
10 of the most important medical discoveries of 2018
Every year, researchers quietly pave the way for the advancement of medicine, and 2018 was no exception. Here are 10 medical breakthroughs this year.
Every year, researchers quietly pave the way for the advancement of medicine, and 2018 was no exception. Over the past 12 months, professionals in the medical realm worked tirelessly to combat dangers such as cancer and cardiovascular disease and bring treatment to those suffering from various mental illnesses.
A cancer "vaccine" eliminated tumors in mice.
In January 2018, researchers at Stanford University announced in a press release that
ADVERTISEMENT
A French man became the first person to receive two face transplants.
In April 2018, Jérôme Hamon, 43, of France, became the first person in the world to receive two face transplants.
The man, who suffers neurofibromatosis type 1 initially underwent a face transplant in 2010 but his body began to reject the new face in 2016. He lived two months without a face before French surgeons led
The successful landmark surgery proved thatre-transplantation is a possibility.
Prescription Vascepa was found to dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.
ADVERTISEMENT
Considering about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year (1 in every 4 deaths) it's no surprise that when, in September, biopharmaceutical company, Biotech Amarin, announced that its medicine, Vascepa, was found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients by 25%, people rejoiced.
Researchers created an injection that might prevent migraines.
Migraines affect approximately 39 million Americans yet treatment for the debilitating condition is nearly nonexistent.
In May of this year, however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Aimovig, a preventive treatment for migraines. The treatment is administered once a month via injection and is the first drug approved that works "by blocking the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a molecule that is involved in migraine attacks."
New studies on male birth control showed promising results.
ADVERTISEMENT
In March, researchers
The pill in question, works similar to women's birth control by
This wasn't the only breakthrough in terms of male birth control. In December, Gizmodo reported that scientists began a large clinical trial to test a gel-based male birth control.
The gel, applied to the back and shoulders once daily, contains a combination of a progestin compound and testosterone that is absorbed through the skin.
Although this is a huge step in terms of medical advancements, some expressed frustration
ADVERTISEMENT
Ketamine, the "party drug" of the '60s, might help treat depression.
Ketamine, a drug previously known as a "party drug," may be the first new depression drug in 30 years.
Smart contact lenses can monitor blood glucose in people with diabetes.
One of the frustrating components of living with diabetes is the finger pricking or burdensome monitors necessary to consistently track blood glucose levels. In an attempt to reduce the inconvenience for diabetes patients, a team of researchers
ADVERTISEMENT
PARP inhibitors present a breakthrough in treatments for breast and ovarian cancers.
PARP, poly-ADP ribose polymerase, is a protein found in our cells that help damaged DNA cells repair themselves. PARP inhibitors represent a new class of drugs that may aid in treating and preventing the progression of breast and ovarian cancers.
The success of the drugs capitalizes on the very nature of PARP. The drugs inhibit the protein from doing its repair work in cancer cells and the cell dies.
In October, one such drug, Lynparza from AstraZeneca, was found to greatly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. A clinical trial found that when given in conjunction with chemotherapy, Lynparza halted or reversed tumor growth in 60% of patients three years into the trial as opposed to 27% who were given chemotherapy only.
The drug is approved for advanced ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer and has been used in over 20,000 patients worldwide.
ADVERTISEMENT
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) presents a breakthrough for patients paralyzed from a stroke.
A tragic component of strokes is their potential to leave their victims paralyzed. sought to address this problem using deep brain stimulation (DBS). Andre Machado, MD, Ph.D., and Kenneth Baker, Ph.D. tested DBS on a
For the first time, a baby was born via a uterus transplant from a deceased donor.
Visit for more.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Next story
ADVERTISEMENT