In 2023, there have been significant medical breakthroughs, including a potential new screening method for breast cancer using a simple fingerprint test that can detect proteins with an accuracy rate of 98%. Another breakthrough involves restoring a sense of smell lost due to Covid-19 by using olfactory training, which involves sniffing common household scents such as lemons or coffee twice a day. This training can help rewire the brain and restore the sense of smell. These medical discoveries offer hope for individuals suffering from breast cancer or Covid-related anosmia, and researchers are continuing to explore these breakthroughs further.
Citing a recent article by The Week, scientific breakthroughs in the medical field have been abundant in 2023. From a simple test for breast cancer to a way to restore a sense of smell, medical discoveries have come on leaps and bounds this year.
One of the most exciting discoveries is the possibility of using a simple fingerprint test to screen women for breast cancer. A study conducted at Sheffield Hallam University found that sweat on the fingers contains proteins that make it possible to detect breast cancer with a high degree of accuracy. With machine learning applied, the technology was able to predict the category of cancer with an accuracy rate of 98%. This new method of screening and detection could be a game-changer for women who find current methods such as biopsy and mammogram uncomfortable or culturally unacceptable.
Another exciting breakthrough is the discovery that people who have lost their sense of smell due to Covid may be able to restore it by sniffing an orange twice a day. In a study conducted at University College London, researchers found that people with persistent smell loss post-Covid have impaired connectivity between the orbitofrontal cortex and the prefrontal cortex. However, there is no such “rewiring” in the brains of people whose sense of smell came back, indicating that the damage is reversible. By taking ten-second sniffs of common household scents such as lemons or coffee twice a day, individuals may be able to restore their sense of smell.
Other medical discoveries made in 2023 include a new drug that could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and a breakthrough in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The new drug, called inclisiran, was found to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to 30%. The new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease involves using ultrasound to remove toxic proteins from the brain, while the breakthrough in the treatment of spinal cord injuries involves using a combination of stem cells and electrical stimulation to repair damaged nerves.
In addition to these discoveries, researchers have also made progress in the fight against cancer. A new drug called TAK-659 has been found to be effective in treating certain types of leukemia, while a new immunotherapy treatment called CAR-T has been shown to be effective in treating lymphoma.
Considering all of the evidence, the medical discoveries made in 2023 offer grounds for hope and optimism. While many of these breakthroughs are still in the early stages of development, they provide a glimpse into the future of healthcare and the potential for new treatments and cures. As researchers continue to make progress in their fields, we can look forward to even more exciting discoveries in the years to come.
