Medical Science News

The latest medical science stories, summarized by AI

More Medical Science Stories

medical-science2 years ago

"Pig Liver Filter: A Promising Breakthrough for Liver Transplant Patients"

Surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania successfully attached a genetically modified pig liver to a brain-dead human body, allowing it to filter blood externally in a novel experiment aimed at supporting patients with liver failure. This approach, a form of xenotransplantation, could offer hope for the thousands of people on the US waiting list for a liver transplant. The experiment, conducted using advanced genetic techniques, represents a significant step in the ongoing research into animal-to-human organ transplants and the development of liver dialysis-like machines.

medical-science2 years ago

"Gene-Edited Pig Liver Transplant Shows Promise in Human Patient"

Surgeons at Penn Medicine successfully connected a genetically modified pig liver to the body of a deceased person, demonstrating the potential for using pig organs in human patients. The procedure, using CRISPR-edited pig liver, aimed to show that the organ could function without being rejected by the immune system. This breakthrough could serve as a bridge to recovery for patients awaiting human donor organs and may help alleviate the chronic shortage of donated human organs. The success of this initial test paves the way for further research and potential future use of pig organs in human transplantation.

medical-science2 years ago

"Brain Injury: The Impact of a Nail"

The article discusses a medical case where a man accidentally shot himself in the head with a nail gun, resulting in a nail being lodged in his brain. Despite the potentially fatal injury, the man remained conscious and was able to speak coherently. The incident prompted medical professionals to study the case and publish their findings, offering insights into the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and recover from traumatic injuries. Additionally, the article offers a free PDF download related to the case, with the caveat of agreeing to be added to a monthly email newsletter distribution list.

medical-science2 years ago

Closed-loop Spinal Cord Stimulation: Restoring Foot Sensory Feedback and Alleviating Phantom Limb Pain

Researchers have demonstrated the successful restoration of sensory feedback from the foot and reduction of phantom limb pain in individuals with lower-limb amputations through closed-loop spinal cord stimulation. By stimulating the spinal cord in response to pressure sensors on the sole of the foot, the study participants were able to perceive sensations in their missing limb and experience relief from phantom limb pain. This breakthrough could significantly improve the quality of life for amputees and pave the way for the development of more advanced neuroprosthetic devices.

medical-science2 years ago

"Implant Restores Cognitive Functions and Offers Hope for Brain Injury Recovery"

A clinical trial conducted by Stanford Medicine using deep-brain stimulation has shown promising results in restoring cognitive functions and improving daily life activities for individuals with moderate to severe brain injuries. The technique, tailored to each patient, exceeded expectations and is the first to offer hope for long-lasting impairments caused by traumatic brain injuries. The trial involved five participants who experienced significant improvements in cognitive abilities after the implantation of a device that stimulated specific brain networks. The success of the trial highlights a breakthrough in brain injury treatment and paves the way for further advancements in this field.

medical-science2 years ago

"Primate-specific ZNF808: A Crucial Factor in Human Pancreatic Development"

Researchers have identified the primate-specific gene ZNF808 as a crucial factor in pancreatic development in humans. Loss-of-function variants in ZNF808 were found to cause pancreatic agenesis, a rare congenital condition characterized by improper pancreas development. The study revealed that ZNF808 plays a role in repressing primate-specific transposable elements during early pancreas development, preventing the induction of genes associated with liver identity. This research highlights the unique mechanisms involved in human organ development and the contribution of primate-specific regions of the genome to congenital developmental diseases.

medical-science2 years ago

"Groundbreaking Eye Transplant Gives Arkansas Man a New Face and Vision"

Surgeons at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world's first whole eye transplant, along with a face transplant, on a man who suffered extensive facial injuries and lost his left eye due to an accident with high-voltage power lines. While it is too early to determine if the patient will regain vision in his new eye, the transplant has yielded promising results so far, with the donated eye showing good blood flow and no signs of rejection. The surgery provides valuable insights into the healing process of the human eye and may pave the way for future advancements in treating blindness.

medical-science2 years ago

Groundbreaking Whole Eye and Face Transplant Gives Hope to Arkansas Man

Surgeons at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world's first whole eye transplant, in addition to a face transplant, on a man who suffered extensive facial injuries and lost his left eye due to an accident with high-voltage power lines. While it is too early to determine if the patient will regain vision in his new eye, the transplant has yielded promising results so far, with the donated eye showing good blood flow and no signs of rejection. The surgery provides valuable insights into the healing process of the human eye and may contribute to advancements in the field of eye transplants and optic nerve repair.

medical-science2 years ago

Groundbreaking Eye Transplant Gives US Veteran New Hope

Surgeons in New York have performed the world's first complete eye transplant on a US veteran who lost most of his face in a high-voltage electrical accident. The 21-hour surgery, which also included a rare partial face transplant, is considered a pivotal moment in the quest to restore sight to millions of people. While there is no certainty that the patient will regain vision in his new eye, doctors are optimistic about the progress and the surgery offers valuable insights into how the human eye heals. The donated face and eye came from a single male donor, and the patient is grateful for the life-changing surgery.

medical-science2 years ago

Revolutionary Eye Transplants Give New Hope to Survivors of Electrical Accidents

Surgeons at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world's first transplant of an entire human eye, as part of a face transplant procedure. The patient, Aaron James, had suffered extensive facial injuries and lost one eye due to an accident with high-voltage power lines. While it is too early to determine if James will regain vision in his new eye, the surgery offers valuable insights into the healing process of the human eye. The transplant has defied expectations, with the donated eye showing good blood flow and no signs of rejection. Researchers are now studying scans of James's brain to understand the injured optic nerve, a crucial step in the quest to cure blindness.