this is what’s right in the world

A young woman from the UK has developed a product that will enable the elderly and disabled to climb stairs. It is a horizontal aid that latches on to the side of the stairs and allows users to lean on it for support.

She created the product for a teacher whose father had a stroke but was told to remain active. It is a simple product, but it is often the simplest things that make a big difference. People who would otherwise be handicapped from climbing stairs can now be empowered to get themselves up and down.

Source: Young engineer launches stair aid

Medical imaging can be incredibly expensive, which can create a gap between those who can afford treatment and those who cannot. This seems to be changing–there are now small imagers that connect to cell phones and relay information to a processing facility. This information is then sent back to the cell phones so that the doctor using them can see the images. This can have huge implications for areas that cannot afford the large imaging machines. Doctors in developing countries or rural areas will now be able to inexpensively obtain images that will aid in diagnosing and treating diseases.

Any technological advance that allows more people everywhere to receive appropriate treatment is a great thing in my book. This can definitely help the lack of aid in the most needy parts of the world.

Source: Real Trekkie tricorder detects ailments

We are always looking for ways to become healthier, and while adding bacteria to common things may seem counterintuitive, there is evidence that it can help cut down on tooth decay and body odor.

‘Good’ bacteria found in yogurt may soon be added to gum, toothpaste, and deodorant to help stave off stench and decay. There are simple solutions to many of our everyday problems, and the more we pursue those solutions, the healthier products will be.

Source: Bacteria added to gum, toothpaste, and deodorant

Lee Spievak lost part of his finger while making a model plane. One would think that there was no hope for regrowing it, but his brother, who works in regenerative science, sent him powdered cells that caused it to grow back.

Some science groups are claiming that this is impossible, but what if it really did happen? This would have major implications for war victims, burn victims, you name it victims.

Source: Biomagic ‘pixie dust’ regrows man’s lopped off finger

James Buck was in Egypt conducting research for a masters thesis when he was arrested for being near a protest. On the way to jail, he quickly used his cell phone to twitter a message to fellow bloggers that he was being arrested.

This brief message alerted the right people, and he was let go shortly after this. Technology is constantly improving, and something so simple as twitter is enabling people to do things that they may not have been able to before.

Source: Student ‘Twitters’ his way out of Egyptian jail

It seems that there is no end to cancer reports–more and more people have it, there are increasingly discovered cancer hotspots.

We do not hear enough about what is being done about it all. Scientists are diligently working toward finding better treatments, and it looks as though there has been significant headway. The creation of new blood vessels looks promising as a way of being a milder treatment than chemotherapy. It is hoped that this will block the growth and spread of various tumors. This is commendable work in the face of daunting odds.

Source: http://www.physorg.com/news128182388.html