Developments in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease
The National Institute of Health (NIH) defines a clinical trial as a biomedical or behavioral research study of human subjects designed to answer specific questions about biomedical or behavioral interventions (drugs, treatments, and devices.) The FDA and the Office of Human Research Protection (OHRP) regulate clinical trials. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews study-related documents, … Read more
Microbes cause disease, and include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In the last century great strides in medicine were made in combating diseases caused by microbes. Antimicrobials have increased human life expectancy and decreased the ability of microbes to cause disease. Disease conditions that used to be fatal are now easily treated with antimicrobials. Unfortunately … Read more
Within the last few years, a paradigm shift has occurred in the operating room: surgeons no longer need to directly touch or even see what they are operating. Endoscopic video imaging and advanced in instrumentation have converted open surgeries to endoscopic ones. This has resulted in higher survival rates, fewer complications, and a quicker return … Read more
Human DNA codes for the expression of everything from hair color to metabolism to genetic disorders. DNA with mutations causes some of these disorders. Gene therapy replaces or repairs these mutations, by providing “correct” DNA that is attached to a vector. A vector is a vehicle for the DNA that is put together by researchers. … Read more
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and the third most common cancer. Despite its prevalence and morbidity, most people forego colonoscopies because the procedure is uncomfortable and invasive. A virtual colonoscopy may increase the number of screenings as a more favorable alternative, however it is not painless. Accuracy … Read more