EPY - Emerging Technology in Health Lesson

Emerging Technology in Health

As society progresses in technological advancements new applications are developed in the prevention and treatment of disease. Biotechnology uses research tools to study or solve problems related to living systems and organisms. Research topics encompass everything from genetic material of viruses to developing diagnostic tests to identify diseases and treatments. Technologies for treatment of diseases include gene therapy, stem cells, and pharmacogenomics among others.

Gene therapy focuses on correcting mutated or defective genes that cause disease by altering or inhibiting protein function. This technique involves inserting a gene into a patient's cells rather than using drugs or surgery. Gene therapy techniques are being developed to treat genetic disorders such as Gaucher's disease, phenylketonuria, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy as well as cancer and HIV/AIDS. One advantage of gene therapy is that the technique could provide potential treatment for many diseases. A disadvantage is that more research is needed to determine the efficacy of the therapies as well as the long-term effects of gene therapy. At this time gene therapy is primarily used in research settings although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a limited number of gene therapy products.

Stem Cell Therapy uses the cloning ability of stem cells to treat disease. Review the Therapeutic Uses of Stem Cells Learning Object in the sidebar to learn about stem cells and possible therapeutic uses.

Pharmacogenomics is a new field that combines pharmacology and genomics to create effective and safe medications that are suited to a person's genetic makeup. This field looks at the role a person's genes play in the affect of drugs on that individual. Further development in this field will move pharmacology away from the "one size fits all" drugs. An advantage of this field is that the deeper understanding of genetics could lead to specialized treatment of diseases. Given that pharmacogenomics is new, it could be some time before treatments are FDA approved.

pharmacology - the science of drugs

genomics - the study of genes and their functions

Promoting a Health Lifestyle

Health Promotion

Healthy People is a program of nationwide health-promotion and disease-prevention goals set by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The goals were first set in 1979, for the following decade. The goals were subsequently updated for Healthy People 2000, Healthy People 2010, and Healthy People 2020.   Healthy People 2020 provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans.  New goals for Healthy People 2030 are currently being developed. The goals of Healthy People 2020 are to:

  • Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death.
  • Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups.
  • Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all.
  • Promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages.

The leading health topics established in Healthy People 2020 are:

        1. Access to Health Services
        2. Clinical Preventive Services
        3. Environmental Quality
        4. Injury and Violence
        5. Maternal, Infant, and Child Health
        6. Mental Health
        7. Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
        8. Oral Health
        9. Reproductive and Sexual Health
        10. Social Determinants
        11. Substance Abuse
        12. Tobacco

Each topic area is assigned to one or more lead agencies within the federal government that is responsible for developing, tracking monitoring, and periodically reporting on objectives.

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