What medical achievements will come in the future?

In the next few years, what progress will mankind have in medicine? To answer this question, ABC TV reporter knocked on many laboratories in the US and some countries, in conjunction with interviewing researchers.

Forecasts, the upcoming achievements will be:

Birth control pills for men

European pharmaceutical companies have developed a hormone-inhibiting chemical that plays a role in sperm production. Tests in mice showed that males eating 'contraceptive' mixed cheese were no longer able to produce sperm, but after stopping the drug, sperm were returned to normal production. Researchers have also developed temporary vasectomy techniques to prevent sperm from moving to the penis. Instead of cutting or tying vasectomy, the doctor will implant a device to clamp the vas deferens. 'It is like an IUD for men,' says Dr. Manny Alvarez of the New York University School of Medicine.

It is expected that in 5 years, male birth control pills will be circulated. Meanwhile, vasectomy instruments are currently being tested on humans and may be licensed for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within a year.

HIV vaccine

For the past 25 years, scientists have always sought HIV / AIDS therapy but have not achieved any significant results. According to Patricia Fast, director of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), every time the virus spreads, they often change a bit - that is, there is no way the two patients will be the same as an HIV strain. This makes making special remedy for all patients become almost impossible.

But can we prevent the risk of infection? That is the goal of more than 30 human trials being conducted around the world. According to Fast, since the use of a vaccine made from HIV weakened or destroyed is unsafe, patients taking the test are given some basic ingredients of each virus strain. In this way, the body can learn to fight the virus without affecting health. In the case of HIV infection, the immune system will know how to identify and eliminate the virus.

Scientists have not been able to determine when the vaccine for HIV / AIDS is available in the market. Usually when the vaccine enters the final test phase, about 5 years later it will be able to determine its effectiveness. After that, it had to go through many more tests before being licensed to circulate globally.

Preventing sexually transmitted diseases does not need 'raincoats'

Although condoms work to prevent pregnancy and prevent sexually transmitted diseases, no one likes to wear a 'raincoat' when 'working' . Understanding this psychology, Instead (USA) has tested Amphora gel for vaginal application, able to immediately kill pathogens but does not affect natural beneficial bacteria in the body. Applying Amphora about 12 hours before sex with the cervical device will double the ability to prevent pregnancy.

The gel test is expected to last another 2 years. If successful, the composition will be licensed by the FDA in 2011.

Viagra for women

Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany) has prepared flibanserin which can reduce the level of receptor serotonin hormone in the brain, which plays a role in controlling sexual desire. Serotonin inhibits dopamine, a hormone that stimulates sexual desire. According to Anita Clayton, Ph.D. of psychiatry and neurological behavior at the University of Virginia (USA), restricting serotonin will help dopamine work.

By the end of 2009 at the latest, " female pharmacy" for women will appear.

Pain-free blood sugar test

People with diabetes must regularly check their blood sugar by extracting less blood from their fingertips, causing pain. A type of contact lenses that is being tested by the University of Pittsburgh (USA) in addition to eye care uses also helps patients monitor blood sugar 24/24. Glass containing a photon crystal can change color when sugar content in tears increases or decreases. Just by looking at the mirror, users will know their blood sugar status.

About 4 years later, diabetics can use this type of glass.

Cure 'milder' cancer

Although not yet able to cure the cancer, the scientists are about to succeed in repelling the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery such as fatigue, vomiting and hair loss. Dr. Marek Malecki and his colleagues at the University of South Dakota (USA) are transforming the genes of antibodies - which function to identify and destroy pathogens - into a form capable of tracing tumors without affecting healthy cells. New antibodies, studied for each cancer, will be introduced into the body through an injection. Tests on mice showed positive results.

Marek's group is currently making antibodies to test on humans. If successful, within 3-5 years, this method will be applied to cancer patients.