Top 10 Breakthroughs in 2011 Health News You Need to Know
Introduction
The year 2011 was a pivotal year for medical science, with several groundbreaking discoveries that changed the face of healthcare. From cutting edge cancer treatments to groundbreaking studies on the benefits of exercise and meditation, 2011 had it all. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 breakthroughs in 2011 health news that you need to know.
1. Prostate Cancer Treatment
In 2011, scientists discovered that a drug called abiraterone could extend the lives of men with late-stage prostate cancer by an average of four months. This was a significant breakthrough, as prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and typically becomes resistant to treatment over time. Abiraterone works by inhibiting the production of testosterone, which fuels cancer growth.
2. New Alzheimer’s Drug
A new drug called Solanezumab was found to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by 34%. This was a significant breakthrough, as Alzheimer’s is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Solanezumab works by targeting beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. The Benefits of Exercise
A study conducted in 2011 found that exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that plays a key role in memory and learning. This was a significant breakthrough, as it showed that exercise can have a positive impact on brain function as well as physical health.
4. The Benefits of Meditation
A study conducted in 2011 found that meditation can increase the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that helps to maintain the length of telomeres. Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes, and their length is linked to aging and disease. This was a significant breakthrough, as it suggested that meditation could have anti-aging and disease-fighting benefits.
5. Promise of Gene Editing
In 2011, researchers discovered a way to use gene editing to cure a genetic blood disorder called beta-thalassemia. It involved removing stem cells from a patient’s bone marrow, editing the faulty gene responsible for the disorder, and then transplanting the edited cells back into the patient. This was a significant breakthrough, as it showed the potential of gene editing to cure genetic diseases.
6. New Breast Cancer Drug
A new breast cancer drug called T-DM1 was found to extend survival by an average of six months in women with advanced breast cancer. T-DM1 works by delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This was a significant breakthrough, as it offered a new treatment option for women with advanced breast cancer.
7. The Link Between Inflammation and Heart Disease
A study conducted in 2011 found that inflammation plays a key role in the development of heart disease. The study showed that a blood test measuring levels of a protein called CRP could predict the risk of heart disease in people with no other risk factors. This was a significant breakthrough, as it could lead to new treatments and preventive measures for heart disease.
8. Vaccine for Meningitis B
A new vaccine called Bexsero was approved in 2011 for the prevention of meningitis B. Meningitis B is a deadly disease that affects primarily young children and adolescents. This was a significant breakthrough, as it offered a new tool for the prevention of this devastating disease.
9. The Power of Vitamin D
A study conducted in 2011 found that Vitamin D could reduce the risk of respiratory infections in children. The study showed that children who received Vitamin D supplements had fewer respiratory infections than those who did not. This was a significant breakthrough, as it offered a natural and inexpensive way to reduce the risk of respiratory infections in children.
10. New Therapy for MS
A new therapy called alemtuzumab was found to be highly effective in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Alemtuzumab works by targeting and killing off the immune cells that attack the nervous system in MS patients. This was a significant breakthrough, as it offered a new treatment option for an incurable and debilitating disease.
Conclusion
The year 2011 was a year of remarkable breakthroughs in medical science, offering new hope and treatments for millions of people worldwide. From cutting edge cancer treatments to new vaccines and therapies, these discoveries will continue to shape the future of healthcare. As we look to the future, it’s clear that medical science has the potential to transform our lives in ways we never imagined possible.
