Technology NOW

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The event I attended was the Science Museum (as well as the Natural History Museum). It was interesting to see the contrast between past and present and how technology has advanced over houndreds of years.

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New tecnology has allowed scientist to create different tools to cure various illnesses for example Cancer is one of the biggest causes of death worldwide and in this context new technology has created the Collimator used for radiotherapy. This is faster and lighter than existing technology therefore could shorten treatment times and reduce side effects for Cancer patients.

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There are many debates and ethical issues on the rise of new technology in medicine, however it is seen as a positive when it is being used to cure serious illnesses such as cancer. Everyday scientists are finding new ways to use technology for medical treatments for example 'Researchers hope radiologists will be able to routinely incorporate computer-aided image analysis and diagnosis in identifying tumor characteristics and forming patient-specific breast cancer' (Science Daily) as well as clearer ultrasound images and improved diagnosis as well as therapy.

10 Medical Technologies That Could Shape The Future: Andrew Handley's Medical Technology number 9, Magnetic Levitation  

http://listverse.com/2013/03/22/10-medical-technologies-that-could-shape-the-future/

'In 2010, Glauco Souza and his team began looking into a way to create realistic human tissue using nanomagnets that allowed lab-grown tissue to levitate above a nutrient solution.
The result was the most realistic synthetically grown organ tissue ever grown. Typically, lab-grown tissue is created in a petri dish, but elevating the tissue allows it to grow in a 3D shape that allows for more complex cell layers. That 3D growth pattern is a more perfect simulation of the way cells grow in the human body, which means that this is a huge step forward in creating artificial organs that can be transplanted into humans.' Handley, A (2013)
This information shows that new technology can be positive when used for medical purposes and in the case of Medical Levitation it could potentially save lives. Another example is number 4 on the list; 'Printed Bone', using 3D printers it is now possible to print material the same strength as actual bone. This would prevent patients having to wait weeks for broken or fractured bones to heal as the model made from printed bone can be fitted into the body so the real bone can grow around it. The model has been tested on rabbits and was succesfull, natural bone grew back faster than normal when combined with stem cells. 'When the bone material was combined with stem cells, the natural bone grew back much faster than normal.' Handley, A (2013)

Below is a interactive questionnaire about the causes and effects of Cancer related topics.

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Kevin Stone, a surgeon, specializes in biological knee replacement where damaged joints are replaced with lab grown tissue as well as parts from other donars. His publications have been in The Wall Street Journal and many TV programmes. To watch his TED Talk: http://www.ted.com/speakers/kevin_stone.html