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10 most significant discoveries in medicine in 2012

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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07 January 2013, 16:18

2012 was not in vain for medical workers: many doctors worked tirelessly on the development of new antiviral vaccines, the creation of more effective methods of treatment, the use of more modern technologies. A huge amount of work was done by specialists with a view to curing hopeless, seemingly sick people.

Here is the list of the most interesting discovery1 of last year:

1. Operation on the front

Belgian scientists managed to hold, albeit not the first in the history of medicine, but, nevertheless, a unique operation for skin transplantation on the facial part of the body. The Belgian citizen, who was practically without a face, was able to transplant not only the epidermis, but also some bones of the facial part of the skull. This was the first operation of this kind in the country, which, of course, Professor F. Blondel, practicing at the Ghent Hospital, can be proud of.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4]

2. Transplant 4 limbs at the same time

Turkish scientists also did not remain in debt and made a significant breakthrough in transplantology: for the first time in the history of medicine, during one operation, four limbs were successfully transplanted to man. For the life of the patient struggled for 22 hours.

trusted-source[5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15]

3. Preventing Parkinson's Disease

Austrian pharmacists, employees of the well-known medical company AFFiRiS AG, have long worked to develop a new vaccine that should help prevent Parkinson's disease. In 2012, scientists began the first trials of this vaccine, and, according to doctors, in the near future with her help the number of people suffering from Parkinson's disease will significantly decrease.

trusted-source[16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23],

4. The gene of posttraumatic disorder

Employees of the Boston University, known for their research in the field of genetic engineering, found that the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder directly depends on a particular gene. Scientists hope that this discovery will help in eliminating stress disorders in people who have suffered severe injuries.

trusted-source[24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30]

5. A single medicine for influenza

California scientists have discovered an antibody that is able to fight all the currently known strains of influenza. Thus, in the near future it is possible to invent a miracle vaccine, with the help of which it will be possible to avoid annual epidemic epidemics among the population.

trusted-source[31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37],

6. Approved against leukemia

The quality control committee approved a new drug that could resist leukemia (blood and bone marrow cancer). Because of the relapses that occurred during the testing of the drug, the approval of the drug was delayed for a long time.

trusted-source[38], [39], [40], [41], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46],

7. The gene of happiness exists in reality

Psychiatrists from Columbia University (Florida) made an interesting discovery, which states that, the "happiness gene", which is responsible for a complacent mood, actually exists.

trusted-source[47], [48], [49], [50],

8. Reliable protection against caries

In Japan, invented a means for the long-term protection of tooth enamel from caries: a thin film that completely covers the teeth. With this film, teeth will look whiter and become less sensitive.

trusted-source[51], [52], [53], [54], [55], [56], [57]

9. Treatment of breast cancer by temperature changes

The Israelis conducted research and found that an alternative to surgery, in the case of cancer treatment, could be a sudden change in body temperature, or simply "frost." With the help of liquid nitrogen, the temperature of which is about -170 degrees, scientists are going to fight cancer cells that will not be dangerous after staying in such a low temperature.

trusted-source[58], [59], [60], [61], [62], [63], [64],

10. Alcoholism can be curable

Danish pharmacists say that this year the population will have an affordable medicine that can help adults suffering from the "green snake".

trusted-source[65], [66], [67]

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