10 Innovations In Health That Will Blow Your Mind

Amazing innovations; they’re changing health care, and they’re happening now. Check out these 10 innovations in health that are sure to blow your mind.

1. VR is being used to help treat depression.

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Researchers at the University College London and University of Barcelona - ICREA conducted a study using virtual reality to simulate situations that teach compassion. In the study, five out of the 15 patients showed improvements, and four of them showed significant change in their depression.

2. Exoskeletons allow paraplegics to walk upright.

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Berkeley-based startup SuitX has been working to create an exoskeleton suit that allows paraplegics to walk again. Instead of using a wheelchair, The Phoenix is an affordable and lightweight suit that gives people the opportunity to walk again or for the first time.

3. Nanobots are being developed that enter blood vessels to repair damage and distribute drugs.

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A group at Pennsylvania State University has been developing nanobots that they call microspiders. Using spheres less than a micrometer wide, these micromachines swim through a person's blood vessels. As they travel, they're able to heal damaged areas and deliver drugs in the process.

4. A sprayable foam can significantly aid in sealing trauma wounds.

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A research team at the University of Maryland has been researching and testing a sprayable foam for trauma wounds. The foam is sprayed onto a wound where it doubles in size, becomes solid, and creates a wall that prevents significant blood loss.

5. Special glasses enable people with color vision deficiencies to see color.

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Many people worldwide have a color vision deficiency. Through rigorous research, companies have been able to create a series of filters that helps to correct these deficiencies, allowing people to see colors they had never seen before.

6. People are utilizing 3D printing to revolutionize health care and save lives.

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3D-printing technology has made it possible for doctors to print a titanium rib cage, create vertebrae, successfully separate conjoined twins, print whole organs, and so much more.

7. A high-res microscope was developed to better study cancer cells' behavior.

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A group at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has developed a high-resolution microscope that makes it possible to view cancer cells in 3D, previously limited to just two-dimensional view. This innovation allows doctors to better visualize the cells and how they behave.

8. A smaller, more durable pacemaker helps people live longer.

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The first version of pacemakers was large and consisted of wires (leads) that would break over time, leading to additional procedures. Recognizing this problem, a smaller wireless pacemaker was created that's also more durable.

9. A sensor in a sweatband is being used to help with dehydration and muscle fatigue.

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A group from UC Berkeley has created a wearable sensor that takes measurements of your body's sweat. It measures the amount of metabolites and electrolytes and then sends the diagnostics to your smartphone.

10. A unique glove helps Parkinson's patients steady their hands.

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London-based company GyroGear is currently developing a glove (aptly named the GyroGlove) to help ease tremors in Parkinson's patients using gyroscopes. The initial tendency of gyroscopes is to continuously work to stay upright. By applying this physics, it helps to stabilize the shaking of the hand.

Want more? Check out how Northwell Health is furthering additional innovations to help shape the future of health care:

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Visit Northwell Health's "Look North for Breakthroughs" campaign page to learn more about each innovation and how they are shaping the future of health care.