The world has an intense interest in the incredible capabilities of the scientific method, and as such, we will delve into an exploration of the latest and most impressive breakthroughs in the field of medicine. These advancements continue to captivate and inspire us with their incredible potential to transform healthcare.

Here are some of the extraordinary discoveries and advancements that have been made in the field of medicine:

1. The Human Liver Repaired Using Cells Produced in a Lab: In 2021, researchers grew mini bile-ducts in a lab to repair damaged human livers, providing an alternative to liver transplants. This breakthrough could increase the number of available donor livers for transplantation.

2. The Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine: The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford and funded by UKRI and the Department of Health and Social Care through the NIHR, was a significant breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19. Clinical trials involving over 24,000 participants showed that the vaccine, made from a genetically modified version of a common cold virus, was 70.4% effective and could prevent transmission. Administering a half dose followed by a full dose increased the effectiveness to 90%. In just five months, around 17 million individuals in the UK and EU received the vaccine, saving countless lives.

3. Gene therapy: Gene therapy is a method of preventing or treating disease by introducing genetic material into cells. The first successful gene therapy trial was in 1990, treating a rare immune system disease. Today, gene therapy is used by the NHS to treat some types of blindness and is being researched for many other illnesses, including cancer. It may strengthen the immune system, enhance other treatments, and block processes that allow cancer cells to survive.

4. The marvelous innovation of single dose-treatment in breast cancer: In 2020, University College London researchers developed a new breast cancer treatment that combines surgery and radiation, called Target Intraoperative Radiotherapy (TARGIT-IORT). The treatment is completed in just 30 minutes and involves placing a small ball containing a single dose inside the breast, compared to the traditional 3-6 weeks of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). TARGIT-IORT has fewer side effects, better cosmetic results, and reduces deaths from other causes than breast cancer. The treatment was tested in 32 hospitals across ten countries and funded by the NIHR and Cancer Research UK.

5. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS treatment has advanced considerably since the 1980s, with many medications that had various side effects. A new single-dose HIV treatment called Dovato was approved in 2019 for patients who had not received antiretroviral therapy. Researchers are now exploring alternative delivery methods for medication, such as a shot lasting several months or implantable medications to eliminate daily pills.

6. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI): fMRIs enable doctors to virtually study the human mind. These scans show brain activity by tracking variations in cells, oxygen levels, blood flow, and neuron function. Through fMRI scans, doctors can identify the active brain areas during certain activities, and evaluate the brain and spinal cord without invasive techniques or painful injections.

7. Laparoscopic Surgeries: Laparoscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and miniature instruments, has become a common and less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. It was developed in the 1980s but became widely adopted by many surgical specialties in the 21st century. It has enabled patients who may not have been able to tolerate traditional surgery to receive a cure.

8. CT scans: Siemens has developed a new CT scanner called Naeotom Alpha that uses detectors to measure photons and produce detailed images of the human body’s internal structures. This advanced technology enhances the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions and injuries by providing clear and high-contrast images.

Scientists have dedicated countless hours and resources to find medical advancements that can save people’s lives. Their efforts have resulted in significant breakthroughs in the 21st century, highlighting the importance of their work for the betterment of society. Although the process of scientific research is slow, these breakthroughs can be highly relevant as scientists and researchers continue to work on them. With the increasing number of scientific breakthroughs that aim to treat and cure diseases, there is great hope for improving people’s quality of life.