Advanced Technology in the U.S. Regarding the Health Field

The history of U.S. medical care concerns more than the control and cure of various diseases. It also uncovers the role that biotechnology has played in the development of important clinical and research procedures.

Examples of Advanced Technology

• Health care professionals try as best as they can to make use of the technological equipment available to them. Research scientists seek to develop more powerful drugs, innovative techniques and new equipment. Their efforts have allowed for the ongoing creation of advanced health care technology.

  Examples of the innovations that resulted from research endeavors include familiar laboratory tools, such as the pH meter. They also include instruments, such as the ultracentrifuge, and specialized techniques, such as electrophoresis.

Gene Transfers

• Often, one discovery has led to or enhanced the value of another. Announcement of the first specific gene transfers came the same year that the bacteria Thermus aquaticus was discovered. That combination of discoveries helped to facilitate creation of thermal cyclers, or PCR machines.

What to Expect in the Future

• In the 21st century, patients will witness increased personalization of medicine. Doctors may start prescribing drugs that not only treat a certain illness but also handle the specific requirements of the ill patient. In the laboratory, scientists should expect to see more nanotechnology and greater utilization of molecular testing.