Dux Nest

I’ve heard many predictions about medical breakthroughs, some even claiming that the word ‘disabled’ will become obsolete. It all seems too much like sci-fi. Then again, many concepts that seems far fetched in the original Star Trek have become part of our modern lives.

If only we could bring help to those who need it. Make the blind man see. Cell-based therapies might be an effective way to treat human corneal blindness and vision impairment due to the scarring that occurs after infection, trauma and other common eye problems, said senior investigator James L. Funderburgh, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Ophthalmology. The Pitt corneal stem cells were able to remodel scar-like tissue back to normal. In the next steps, the researchers intend to use the stem cells to treat lab animals that have corneal scars to see if they, too, can be repaired with stem cells. Under the auspices of UPMC Eye Center’s recently established Center for Vision Restoration, they plan also to develop the necessary protocols to enable clinical testing of the cells. University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences; Stem cell therapy makes cloudy corneas clear, according to Pitt researchers. (2009, April). NewsRx Health & Science,207.

Research led by David Hess of the Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario has identified how to use selected stem cells from bone marrow to grow new blood vessels to treat diseases such as peripheral artery disease. It’s one of the severe complications often faced by people who’ve had diabetes for a long time. Reduced blood flow (ischemia) in their limbs can lead to resting pain, trouble with wound healing and in severe cases, amputation. University of Western Ontario; Stem cell therapy grows new blood vessels. (2009, April). NewsRx Health & Science,70.

Transplant therapy using embryonic stem cells or their derivatives is currently under way in a small patient trial for spinal cord injury, but widespread use is still some years in the future. WHEN WILL STEM CELLS BE USED FOR TREATMENTS AND CURES? (2009, April 13). Wisconsin State Journal,A.2.

Dr. Funderburgh anticipates “stem-cell therapies for lots of parts of the body in the next 15 to 20 years.” David Templeton.  (2009, April 9). STEM CELL SUCCESS COULD HELP MORE THAN CORNEA. Pittsburgh Post - Gazette,A.1.

The medical research race…

Research into implants continues with great progress. Steven Siegel says the percentage of repeat surgeries has decreased in recent years due to improved equipment and techniques. Laura Johannes.  (2008, December 2). An Implant That Hits a Nerve. Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition),  p. B.14. By definition, an implantable device will require an operation, the current devices all require moderately complex surgery during which at least one of the components must be very precisely placed to achieve a good functional result. Close cooperation with surgeons will be needed in order to ensure that the required surgery is feasible. P Counter.  (2008). Implantable hearing aids. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers: Part H Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 222(H6), 837-52. The future of cochlear implants is bright, with multiple outstanding possibilities for even higher levels of performance Advances in electronics, nanotechnology, micromechanics, polymer chemistry, and molecular biology should lead to cochlear implants that give high-fidelity sound. The research is the basis for a new discipline, which should also contribute to spinal cord repair and the relief of blindness. Graeme M Clark.  (2008). Personal reflections on the multichannel cochlear implant and a view of the future. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 45(5), 651-93.

It doesn’t matter which medical research will provide the breakthrough as long as everyone benefits.

Tags: Bone Marrow, Cochlear, Implant, Medical Research, Stem Cells, Surgery, Technology, Therapy, Transplant.