There’s a race on within the health industry to prevent and cure the diseases that affect people across the globe on a daily basis. This race is being helped through intensive life science research, which informs and shapes the latest technological advancements.
Life sciences products such as vial cappers and genetic analyzers help researchers conduct studies in cell biology, genomics, and DNA analysis, for example.So, let’s take a closer look at how life science research is used in technology to make the world a better, healthier place.
Revolutionizing eye care
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in older people. It affects thirty percent of people over 65 years of age, and the percentage is set to increase. The good news, at least, is that AMD can be prevented with early detection. Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed the Macular Pigment Screener, an instrument that allows patients to have their macular pigment level routinely tested in eye clinics. Using this instrument, ophthalmologists will be able to determine whether a patient’s macular pigment is low and provide advice on how to increase it, thereby preventing blindness.
Developing pharmaceutical products
In order for pharmaceutical companies to develop effective drugs to cure diseases, they would have to know what people are made of, and what cells to target. For this, researchers came up with a database of microRNAs, a class of genes that regulate human genes and may serve as disease biomarkers for cancer, cardiometabolic disease, and chronic heart failure. The database helps scientists involved in clinical research, drug discovery, and product development. Clinical research and studies may also require tissue and cell samples like Kupffer cells.
Advancing medical technology
Physicians and medical scientists work hard to develop and test procedures and products to aid in preventing, diagnosing, and curing diseases. For instance, research at the University of York focuses on developing new therapies and tools for diagnosis. They also make use of post-genomic technologies and advanced imaging to aid in their vaccine development and tissue engineering. Combining life science research with technology enables scientists to produce vaccines against life-threatening diseases such as polio and malaria, saving thousands of lives around the world. In addition, advancements in medical technology such as ‘electronic aspirin’ and artificial organs are enabling healthcare practitioners to provide more efficient and more affordable patient care.
Saving the lives of humans—and animals too
Clinical trials using microchips instead of animals would not only save the lives of humans, but also spare the lives of mice and other animals commonly used in the lab. Microchips used in life science research are smaller than a human thumb and have the ability to reconstruct the complex interface between the blood vessels and the organs of the body, providing researchers with a model that closely resembles live tissue. Through microchip modeling, scientists have been able to reconstruct organs such as the lungs. Microchip modeling help in driving accurate results on how the human body would be affected by diseases, treatments, and surgical procedures.
Life science research, coupled with technological innovations, is definitely making a big change in the fight against disease.
