The Top 10 Health Innovations of the Year According to Forbes
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, innovative technologies are being developed at a rapid pace. In 2021, Forbes highlighted the top 10 health innovations of the year, which are revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered. In this article, we’ll explore each of these innovations in detail, and how they are changing the healthcare landscape.
1. SHERLOCK Diagnostics
Developed by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, SHERLOCK (Specific High-Sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing) Diagnostics is a highly accurate and portable diagnostic tool. Using CRISPR technology, the tool can detect RNA or DNA with high specificity and sensitivity, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses for a variety of diseases.
2. The Virtual Biopsy
The Virtual Biopsy is a non-invasive technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect skin cancer without cutting into the skin. Developed by the Skin Analytics, the Virtual Biopsy uses a camera to take pictures of the skin and then analyses them using AI algorithms, helping dermatologists to make more accurate diagnoses.
3. Maverick Therapeutics
Using the power of the immune system, Maverick Therapeutics is developing a new type of cancer treatment. The therapy involves engineering T cells to target cancer cells, allowing the body’s immune system to eliminate the cancer. The company aims to make the treatment less toxic and more targeted than traditional chemotherapy.
4. Next-Generation Vaccines
Next-generation vaccines are designed to be more effective than traditional vaccines by using genetic engineering to create customized vaccines for each patient. This type of vaccine promises to be more effective against diseases such as cancer, as well as being more effective against traditional infectious diseases.
5. Medical Wearables
Medical wearables are wearable devices that monitor the wearer’s health and provide data to healthcare professionals. They provide real-time information on conditions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, and can be used to help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes.
6. Digital Twins
Digital twins are digital replicas of real-world objects, including human beings. They are being used by healthcare professionals to simulate surgeries, plan treatments, and predict outcomes. Digital twins can provide valuable insights into how a patient’s body will react to treatment, helping to improve the accuracy of diagnoses.
7. Real-Time Health Monitoring
Real-time health monitoring technology allows healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely, using smartphones and other devices. This technology allows for early intervention if a patient’s condition changes, which can improve outcomes and reduce the need for hospitalization.
8. Advanced AI Medical Imaging
Advanced AI medical imaging technology can analyze medical images with greater accuracy and speed than human beings. This technology is being used to develop more accurate diagnoses for conditions such as cancer, and can also be used to monitor the progression of diseases over time.
9. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a network of medical devices that are connected to the internet, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely. This technology can help to improve outcomes by allowing for more frequent monitoring and early intervention if a patient’s condition changes.
10. 3D Printing
3D printing is being used in a variety of ways in the healthcare industry, including the creation of custom prosthetics, dental implants, and even organs. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, by allowing for more personalized treatment options.
In conclusion, the top 10 health innovations of the year according to Forbes are revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered. From advanced medical imaging technology to wearable devices, these innovative technologies are improving outcomes and providing healthcare professionals with new ways to diagnose and treat diseases. As technology continues to evolve, the healthcare industry will undoubtedly benefit from these and other innovative solutions.
