Our human body is as fascinating as it is complex. With our intricate internal body systems (like the digestive, circulatory or respiratory), we rely on discoveries and new technologies to help us understand, analyze and heal.
When it comes to technologies, novel concepts, and ideas, Canada is creative and innovative. From inventions of splitting knives to revolutionary methods like music therapy for the physically disabled and hypothermia during heart surgery to slow down body processes, there are plenty of Canadian contributions to talk about.
First off, the cobalt bomb. While it sounds dangerous, it is actually considered as the grandfather of radiation technology since cobalt bombs are one of the most effective and best ways to combat cancer.
Cancer was originally treated by radiation from x-ray machines and radium, both of which were expensive, complicated and weak. After some extensive research, Canadian scientists discovered that when Cobalt-59 (cobalt in its natural stable state) attracted another neutron and became Cobalt-60, it becomes extremely unstable. Thanks to Ms. Chaput-Ross, I now understand that when Cobalt-60 decays, it emits a beta particle of radiation… one that has 100x more radioactive power than radium.
KABOOM.
Not only do cobalt bombs kill cancerous cells in patients, but because of its intensive and concentrated dose – it is especially effective for deeper tumours (in the cervix, bladder and lungs). And it was much cheaper than radium.
“It was futuristic, it worked miracles, and it was made in Canada." – The Beaver, a Canadian history magazine on their summarizing thought on the cobalt bomb.
Now, for another, but no less futuristic sounding technology… robot surgeons.
Basically, robot surgeons are machines that help improve surgery techniques. It’s not as invasive as and infinitely more precise than that of a human hand that can tremble or tire easily. It maximizes healing and has many benefits such as less post-operative pains, shorter hospital stays and less blood loss – all resulting in a faster recovery.
Of course, it’s not replacing surgeons in any way, but instead, making it safer and more convenient for both the patient and the surgeon. The only issue is that these robotic surgeons have no sense of touch. That loss of connection is extremely important in surgeries since you want to be able to assess and feel the tissue as accurately as possible. There are still improvements to be made with better receptors and more sensitive vibrations.
However, the above benefits still remain, as well as lower costs and more efficient surgery time and post-operative time.
Check our this video, revealing all the secrets about a robot surgeon here.
These medical breakthroughs are just two of many technologies that help heal us. Modern and ground-breaking, technological advancements as innovative as these are being developed every day, improving our knowledge and abilities for healing the complex human body.
I commented on: Inggrid’s blog and Taylor’s blog
My references are:
Canadian’s Greatest Medical Research
Cobalt Bombs
Robot Surgeons:
Hey Connie!
ReplyDeleteI've read a number of blogs, and you're the first to introduce the cobalt bomb, so kudos to you for teaching me something new!! When we talk about Canadian contributions to health sciences, insulin is always the first thing that comes to mind. Now that I know about the cobalt bomb, it's amazing how innovative and creative Canadians can be. As cancer continues to evolve into a more prominent problem within society, it's relieving to know that there are reliable and effective methods of combatting this deadly disorder. On another note, it's amazing how much technology has progressed -- now to the point that there are robotic surgeons! It's incredible to think that something that requires as much precision and care as surgery can be trusted by machinery. These robots must be extremely reliable for surgeons to place their patient's lives in their hands (..robotic hands?). Although you mentioned that robotic surgeons will not eliminate the need for human surgeons, I think that one day, we might reach a point where they will. Just as machinery is completing a variety of jobs that would previously require human attention, I think it's only a matter of time before robotic surgeons will be in full control of the operation -- which to me, is a bit of a scary thought.
Hey Connie, very interesting blog. I liked how you tied the chemistry course in. I didn't know that the cobalt bomb was a Canadian invention (yay Canada), so I found that to be an interesting fact. Our lives are surrounded by cancer, and cancer reseach today, so I found it really interesting to learn about how far we have come. The second half of your blog on robot surgeons was really new to me. My first reaction was, oh how creepy, but after you discussed how these robots improved surgery, I think they sound like a good idea. Great blog, really enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Connie. Cobalt bombs and robotic surgery technology are both interesting developments.
ReplyDeleteRadiation therapy is always somewhat dubious, because it tends to kill normal body cells along with cancer cells. Nevertheless, considering the fact that cancer has always been difficult to treat, it's good to hear that Canada was able to improve on previous treatments.
A word on 'robotic surgeons'; the way you put it makes it sound as if the robots are performing surgery autonomously. This isn't the case, of course; the robots are controlled remotely by humans. Nevertheless, the robotic technology does help eliminate any shaking that can occur when a human is performing surgery. Plus, it enables specialists to perform surgeries on patients across the world. This certainly has its advantages.