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The past two decades of science has yielded changes in the healthcare sector that are beyond what many could have imagined. New technologies are helping to treat diseases with better efficiency, change people’s biology, and so much more. Everything from AI-powered precision medicine to biotechnology are being used in the research world to make scientific discoveries more precise and happen quicker. Let’s take a look at the distinct advancements that are transforming the ways that scientists research and help people’s health.
Biotechnology is Changing the Medical Landscape
Many people think of biotechnology and think of cyborg brain implants, but the truth of modern biotech is more nuanced than that. In fact, one of the most prevalent biotechnology trends is in creating personalized medicine. This means that researchers use advanced tools to design medicines and treatments that are tailored to one individual only. This targeted use of medicine means that there aren’t as many side effects and the patient outcomes are better.
Another medical breakthrough is in the reprogramming of cells. What if a bacteria could produce natural insulin inside a person’s body? This means that more people who are insulin dependent could get treatments more effectively without needing constant injections. These are just some of the biotechnologies that have been developed as a result of new research methodologies.
DNA Synthesis and its Use in Medical Research
We’ve long known the structure of DNA and its purpose within the human body. However, being able to create DNA strands in order to see how to use it for medical applications is a newer discovery. Imagine being able to practice changing a piece of DNA over and over again to see how it interacts? DNA synthesis methods make this a reality. By being able to create strands of DNA, medical researchers can hypothesize, test, and develop processes that can be used for countless functions.
Medical researchers use synthesized DNA strands to help prevent disease, correct genetic anomalies, and even to treat previously untreatable diseases. Another interesting application of synthesizing DNA is in data storage. Because DNA strands hold so much information in a small space, it’s possible to use this as a way to create DNA computing methods that are beyond our current ability to store medical information.
AI-Powered Medication Discoveries
In the past, drug development and discovery timelines often took decades to complete. This meant very expensive research, testing, and implementation, often leading to medications that were very expensive for people. With the advancement of AI technology, scientists have reduced the timeline for drug creation significantly.
Because AI tools can use machine algorithms, they can easily evaluate countless scenarios very quickly. This can narrow down the possible combinations of effective drugs. And in the end, means that medications can get into the hands of the people who need it the most. By using AI in the research process, more research can happen quicker, and scientists can often discover more than one option to treat a particular condition.
3D Printing for Biology and Labs
3D printing is no longer just for creating plastic toys and car components. The world of 3D printing has gotten even bigger with the ability to 3D print cells and organic matter. Bioprinting is just gaining speed, and what it means for science is nothing short of miraculous.
What if you could print a living organism layer by layer? What if you could create entire functioning organs? What would that mean for the medical world? 3D printing is changing how medical research is done because of the ability to bioprint.
Researchers now have the ability to bioprint skin grafts for burn patients, create new liver tissue to test various medications on, and even to begin experimenting with creating new organs. This scientific breakthrough is truly changing how researchers work in the lab and the things they can do.
When it comes to scientific advancements, being able to expedite and streamline research has many positive implications. As researchers use different biotechnology in the lab, they can better target medical conditions that were once very difficult to treat. With advances in DNA synthesis and more, it’s amazing to imagine the future of medicine. These research methods will only help scientists unlock new ways to treat patients, ultimately leading to a better quality of life than many thought possible.
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