Advances in science of late are not only amazing, they are helping people improve their quality of life. From robotic limbs to doctor/patient smartphone apps to innovative ways to find counsel with software, technology is making it possible to connect and stay healthy in unusual ways.

Science Leaders in Medical Inventions

Brain to Limb Movement – Robotic limbs have been around for some time but the University of Pittsburgh has successfully used brain implants in a quadriplegic female patient to aid her in moving robotic limbs through a thought process. This innovative process was the result of a brain-computer interface (BCI) study and allows the patient to manipulate objects. The patient, Jan Scheuermann declares this technology is the “ride of her life.”

Battlefield Bleeding Clips – Canadian Navy Dr. Dennis Filips is the innovator behind the ITClamp that can stop wound bleeding in just seconds. Inspired by his tours in Afghanistan, trauma surgeon Filips got the idea from a women’s hair clip. The exciting part of the ITClamp is severe bleeding can be stopped in battle fields by fellow soldiers avoiding the wait for medical techs.

A Chip to Study Intestinal Disorders – According to Johns Hopkins, approximately 70 million American suffer from some type of intestinal disorder. Harvard researchers are touting a “gut-on-a-chip,” a silicon polymer device that recreates the intestinal barrier. With this device, scientists are better equipped to study disorders like Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis—both are debilitating for suffers. Researchers say “The device mimics the movement of food along the digestive tract as well as the flow of blood through capillaries.”

Advances in Medical Apps and Software

Easier Doctor/Patient Connections – The MyChart app from Epic Systems Corporation allows patients and doctors to stay connected via their smartphones. Both patients and their physicians can access lab results, medicine allergies and current medications. This app makes it easy to schedule appointments and leave messages for your doctor and vice versa avoiding unnecessary visits for simple medical concerns.

Better Doctor Diagnosis – With so many medical conditions, diseases and viruses, the iPhone app Diagnosaurus DDx developed by Unbound Medicine, Inc. allows for easier patient diagnosis. Now doctors can search by organ, symptom or disease to quickly aid them in determining the best patient care. This app also offers a “see related DDx” feature for illnesses or conditions similar in nature.

Advancements In Online Therapy and Counseling

Child Software Therapy – Even people with a masters in counseling know connecting with children to help them emotionally and dealing with behavioral issues can be challenging. A new software program from Challenge Software enables therapists to engage children in a way they enjoy—skipping the workbook and using the laptop instead. This software teaches children in a fun and interactive way how to deal with problems or concerns in their lives they have no control over. Scenarios and real solutions are offered to engage the child and reveal problematic areas to their counselors.

Addiction Software Offers Surprising Results – In a Yale University School of Medicine study, drug and alcohol addicts were exposed to cognitive therapy and a support software program to help them stay clean. The “computer-assisted training” includes audio and video lessons along with examples of how each lesson can aid them in battling addictions. This innovative solution is a great tool for drug counselors and their patients; especially addicts that cannot afford traditional rehabilitation therapy. If you can afford treatment, it would be beneficial to contact a professional Clearwater rehab center in addition to what you do on your own.

All of these medical innovations are making us healthier, easier for doctors to treat their patients and engage patients in the technology format they desire; all helpful strides in medicine indeed.