From artificial intelligence to genome mapping – the world of tech and biotech is exploding, adding new levels of efficiency and opportunity to the world. In many ways, we’re starting to live in the future we’ve always envisioned; just think, self-driving cars are already hitting the roads. But even amidst this ocean of innovation, there are some technological advancements that stand apart from the rest. Because these innovations aren’t just breaking technology barriers, they’re literally changing the world and giving mankind a new lease on life.
Stem cell treatment
Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. And about 140,000 of those victims will lose their life. For those that survive, however, long-term disability is a serious risk. Depending on the severity of the stroke and the damage it creates on the brain, some individuals are left without the ability to walk or even speak. But breakthrough innovations in stem cell research are giving hope to this grim situation.
A clinical trial out of the Stanford University School of Medicine, led by professor and chair of neurology at Stanford, Dr. Gary Steinberg, looked at 18 individuals whom had all suffered their first and only stroke 6 months to 3 years from the time of the trial. All participants in the study had lost motor function abilities as a result of their stroke – some were unable to move their arm, while others were unable to walk.
Each patient underwent stem cell transplantation – which involved injecting modified, human, adult stem cells directly into the stroke-damaged areas of the brain.
After the transplantation, each patient was closely monitored and within just a month of the procedure, the researchers saw discernible signs of recovery and improvement that continued and have been sustained for at least a year. One participant regained sensation in both her right arm and leg following the surgery.
