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In 2024, remarkable medical breakthroughs have brought renewed hope for millions, transforming the landscape of healthcare. From heart valve replacements to allergy treatments, and dual vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu, these discoveries not only promise improved outcomes but also pave the way for better quality of life.
Click ahead to explore highlights of some of the year's most groundbreaking achievements in medicine.
For the first time, a birth control pill is available without a prescription in the US. Opill, approved by the FDA, can now be accessed by anyone, regardless of age or insurance.
Opill contains only progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone, unlike regular combination birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone.
Progestin-only pills, known as mini-pills, have fewer side effects and can be used by those with certain health conditions.
The progestin-only pill is safe for breastfeeding women, making it an ideal option for those who can't use estrogen-based methods.
Mini-pills are a good alternative for individuals with high blood pressure or a history with blood clots, as they don't contain estrogen, which can cause complications.
Opill is available without a prescription, allowing greater access to birth control, especially for those who face barriers to seeing a doctor.
Research into male birth control is advancing, with over 100 innovations in development, including Contraline's sperm-blocking gel and YourChoice's non-hormonal daily pill. These products are still in human testing, expected to be in the market in five to 10 years.
Doctors performed a partial heart transplant on a baby boy, giving him growing heart valves from an infant donor with healthy valves.
Unlike traditional heart valve replacements, the new valves continue to grow and repair themselves, offering a revolutionary advancement in heart surgery.
This new approach avoids the need for lifelong blood-thinning medication, which is required for patients with mechanical heart valves.
By transplanting living heart valves, this approach provides a more natural solution compared to synthetic replacements, allowing for growth and repair over time.
This year, doctors achieved significant breakthroughs in xenotransplantation by successfully transplanting several organs from pigs into humans, offering new hope for patients waiting on transplant lists.
Pig organs, like kidneys, were modified to be more compatible with humans by editing their genes, increasing the chances of a successful transplant.
To reduce infection risks, scientists inactivated pig viruses and added human genes, ensuring the safety of these pig organs for transplant.
First, surgeons in Boston transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a 62-year-old man. New York doctors later double-transplanted a pig kidney and thymus gland.
In a more experimental step, doctors in China transplanted a pig liver into a clinically dead person. The liver continued to produce bile during the 10-day study.
While promising, xenotransplantation remains experimental, with challenges in preventing organ rejection and overcoming species' differences.
Scientists in Sweden developed a blood test that detects Alzheimer's disease with 90% accuracy, improving early diagnosis and access to treatment.
Accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis currently requires cerebrospinal fluid sampling or PET scans, which aren't available in primary care clinics, where patients typically present initial cognitive concerns to their doctors.
The PrecivityAD2 test measures key Alzheimer's biomarkers in blood, potentially expanding access, accelerating diagnosis, and enabling earlier treatment.
A combination vaccine for COVID-19 and the flu could be available as soon as 2025, improving immune response with fewer shots.
Moderna's combination vaccine demonstrated a stronger immune response than individual vaccines in trials. Meanwhile, BioNTech-Pfizer's vaccine fell short on full flu protection and Novavax's trials faced delays due to safety concerns.
The FDA authorized a three-in-one test for COVID-19 and flu, providing rapid results in 15 minutes for both illnesses.
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis disproportionately affect women, accounting for 78% of cases. The exact reasons remain unknown.
Scientists discovered a faulty mechanism in women's X chromosomes, which may explain their higher susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
Women typically have two X chromosomes, but one is silenced. A protein involved in this process may inadvertently trigger diseases.
While this discovery sheds light on sex-based differences in autoimmune diseases, experts emphasize the need for additional research and understanding.
The FDA has approved omalizumab for individuals aged one and older to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to peanuts and other foods.
Food allergies affect more than 10% of the US population, with children being particularly vulnerable. Reactions can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions, requiring quick intervention and management.
Omalizumab, previously used for asthma, significantly reduces food allergy risks after four months of treatment. However, it doesn't cure allergies, and patients must continue to avoid known allergens.
Sources: (National Geographic) (CNN) (The Guardian)
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LIFESTYLE Medicine
In 2024, remarkable medical breakthroughs have brought renewed hope for millions, transforming the landscape of healthcare. From heart valve replacements to allergy treatments, and dual vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu, these discoveries not only promise improved outcomes but also pave the way for better quality of life.
Click ahead to explore highlights of some of the year's most groundbreaking achievements in medicine.