Free Essay

Advances in Military Medicine

In:

Submitted By paulcohee
Words 370
Pages 2
Advances in Military Medicine

In this article I will be discussing three different types of advances in medicine that the United States Military are currently working on. Most of the major medical advances in the civilian sector were, at one time, being used and tried first in military applications. I will be discussing Bone Cement for Traumatic Wound Repair (Drummond, 2010). ‘Suspended Animation’ to stop blood Loss, prevent brain damage. (Drummond, 2010). Finally, Type-O Blood, in endless supply. (Drummond, 2010). Bone Cement, an injectable compound, is in development at the University of Pittsburgh. This compound can be used to repair damaged bone or spur bone growth (Drummond, 2010). Other applications could include quickly healing fractures, preventing amputations, replacing metal plates, and even re-growing portions of the human skull (Drummond, 2010).

Imagine being able to stop blood loss, or prolong the golden hour thanks to a sort of Suspended Animation. The applications could be endless. In 2005, Pentagon-funded biochemist Mark Roth figured out how to turn mice into the semi-undead (Drummond, 2010). Roth achieved this by using a dose of hydrogen sulfide which stopped breathing, turned off brain function, and shut down the heart. Now Researchers at Texas A&M, with funding from DARPA are attempting a similar procedure on pigs using a different procedure. While Roth is onto a new way to induce this Suspended Animation by: Combining oxygen deprivation with induced hypothermia, to both prevent traumatic blood loss and salvage precious brain and organ tissue (Drummond, 2010)

Normally, the military relies on stockpiles of donated blood to treat their injured soldiers. But imagine if we had an endless supply of Type-O blood, which is known to be universal, the survival rate of soldiers with traumatic injuries would rise. Under DARPA’s Blood Pharming program, bioteh firm Arteriocyte has already shipped off its first batch of type-o blood cells – derived from umbilical cord-blood units (Drummond, 2010). This advance in medical technology, like many others will eventually filter back to the civilian sector as they have for decades. Saving more lives and improving the quality of life of traumatic injury patients.
Works Cited
Drummond, K. (2010). Military's Freakiest Medical Projects. Danger Room, 01.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Has Society Benefited from the Rapid Advancement of Technology?

...itself so deeply into our everyday lives that it would be hard to imagine life without it. Militaries around the world have benefited from the advances of technology, especially Hitler’s Armies during World War II. Hitler’s scientists created the rocket with the intention of firing missiles at the U.S.; now rockets can also be used to launch space shuttles into orbit. There have also been many technological achievements in the field of medicine over the last century; from creating vaccines for potentially deadly diseases like small pox and polio to successfully performing the first open heart surgery. Advances like these eventually lead to robots and machines playing a bigger part in operating rooms around the world. Some of the biggest advances in technology have probably involved things in our personal lives like smart phones, computers, social media, and HDTVs. Technology’s rapid progression, especially in medicine, military, and even in our personal lives over the past 100 years has greatly benefited our society. Do wars drive technological advancement? According to an article by a journalist named Jonathan Strickland, it does and, unfortunately, I couldn’t agree more. Strickland goes on to state, “In general, wars tend to accelerate technological development to adapt tools for the purpose of solving specific military needs. Later, these military tools may evolve into non-military devices.” War has a way of igniting a nuclear inferno underneath the creative and inventive...

Words: 1992 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Western Nations In The Late 1800's

... Europe had new economic and political powers that took over the world. The Europeans set out on an adventurous path to expansion known today as the “New Imperialism”. The domination was due to the motives that drove the New Imperialism, the western advantages, and the various forms of imperial rule that Western Nations used. This lead Europe to having an 80% influence on the world by the 1870’s. Economic interest, political and military motives, humanitarian and religious goals, and applying Social...

Words: 774 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Mesopotamia Vs America

...Its strategic location and the abundance of raw materials, their technological advances and their code of laws were key factors that enabled this civilization to flourish and prosper. Although Mesopotamia was an ancient civilization, there are some similarities to the modern civilization of the present United States of America. While America is a relatively new civilization, it has incorporated similar ways of government that Mesopotamia used in the Hammurabi Code of Laws. ( Life in Sumer.) America, like Mesopotamia once was, is now the center of trade, agricultural, technological and educational advances and a powerful civilization. Both civilizations were highly sophisticated and developed and have made huge advances in each perspective's...

Words: 1001 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

How Successful Were The Mongol Empires

...The Mongol Empire was in a state a position to influence the cultures of the steppes, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and East Asia when their empire spanned these territories. The Mongols were very far advanced in their time and had much success when it comes to their conquests. Their military advancements and the technology they possessed made it possible for the spread of their ideas throughout their conquered lands. These ideas led to even further advancements in the fields of language,science, and medicine. Also, once the lands were conquered, they were able to have a valuable impact on the goods they sold and were buying. With these three powerful elements, the Mongol Empire was able to come a functional and working community for a lond period of time. The Mongols had a variety of different military...

Words: 1016 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Animal Experimentation

...and vaccines. Animal experimentation is very beneficial in medicine. “Animal experimentation has played a part in many major advances such as the development of antibodies, vaccines, and surgical techniques”(Source 1). Humans and some animals such as mice, rats, and chimpanzees share “physiological and genetic similarities”(Source 2) making animal experimentation tremendously helpful for further medical science. “Chimpanzees share 99% of their DNA with humans, and mice are 98% genetically similar to humans”(Source 3). Making chimpanzees and mice good candidates for animal experimentation because of their close genetic similarity with humans. Animals not only have been used in testing; they have also been used in the military and in space. “Since as early as 1948, animals have been used by the U.S space program for testing such aspects of space travel”(Source 3). In which include a variety of animals such as rats, mice, fish, crickets, and snails that have also been launched into space for neurological testing. Animals have also played an important role in the military. “The U.S Department of Defense used 488,237 animals for research and combat trauma training”(Source 3). Which included “subjecting anesthetized goats and pigs to gunshot wounds, burns, and amputations for the training of military medics”(Source 3). Although there is more research that proves animal experimentation is beneficial in medicine and in other areas; many people disagree with animal experimentation...

Words: 476 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Historical Transitioning and Growth of the U.S. Health Care System

...Baby Boomers generation predicate. Summarize the key milestones involved in the past and present shaping and transitional dynamics behind changes in the present healthcare industry. 1850-1900 was a time were the environment condition such as water sewage disposal, contaminated food, inadequate housing were the cause of illness of infectious disease in the United States. People had to rely on home remedies, or woman who took care of the ill and no medical care was available. Doctors had little training in the scientific technology field and hospital was dirty run down which bought about a threat to life because of the diseases. Public health problems came about with such epidemics of acute infectious diseases. Before World War II military families and officers could get free of charge medical care. The federal government was not involved, they left it up to the states and the states had little to do with it. They left it up to private and programs that were voluntary. By 1930s hospitals were giving services to individuals on a pre-paid basis which, allowed for members to pay for the cost of hospitalization and treatment by Physicians which this act lead to Blue Cross establishment (Williams/Torrens 2010). A change in political, social, and technological development started in 1940. The birth and development of Blue Cross came about with new method of payment. By 1901 Theodore Roosevelt was behind the construction for hospital. The funding from...

Words: 1552 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Pest for South Africa

...UK Political • The political culture is very stable with a head of state who is Queen Elizabeth II and a Parrliamentary government which comes up for re-election every 4 years. • Part of the EEC, NATO, etc. There is a strong international and inter-governmental co-operation. • Has strong economic, cultural, military, scientific and political influence • Grants are made available for countries outside of the UK to set up businesses • There is no military action within the country but there is participation in overseas unrest. Military expenditure ranked 4th in the World Economic Factors • GDP fell to 0.2%. Consumers and businesses have reigned in their spending and investment plans as they fear spending cuts and tax rises. • Interest rates are presently low at 0.5% which makes borrowing low and should encourage investment from overseas. • Inflation down to 4.2% • Taxation rate is high in the UK which may deter oversea employees and investments. • Well developed country, presently with an economy struggling to come out of recession • 6th largest economy in the world and third largest in Europe • Currency: British pound. The exchange rate is presently £1 to $1.63 • Service sector makes up 73% of GDP – London is the world’s largest financial sector alongside New York. Edinburgh is also one of the largest financial centres in Europe • Other key industries include: tourism, aerospace, pharmaceutical, automotive Socio/Cultural • Unemployment rate: 7.7%. As there...

Words: 551 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Patient Services

...of readings. This monitor would be beneficial for elderly diabetes patients who must have help monitoring their condition. The devise also uses micro needles to eliminate the pain of drawing blood with lancets. The cost of the device is planned to be half of what current constant blood monitors cost. Being able to constantly check blood sugar levels with help type 1 diabetics regulate their insulin throughout the day. This new technology will help diabetics control their diabetes better and allow doctors to manage treatment efficiently so that patients can remain healthy. This article discussed the Department of Defense implementing and/or discussing remote technology and video conferencing in military mental health patients. The intend of applying this technology to military mental patients is too better serve those who live in areas where there are a shortage of mental health providers and all well as for those who would otherwise not receive treatment/care altogether. Psychologists agree that this type of technology can be used in a variety of ways such as depressions, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders. This article by Jennifer Russell concerning patient services and technology discusses how the company by the name of Awarepoint- based in San Diego, California; the original creator and developer of Real Time Location Systems, also called (RTLS) for hospitals and clinics...

Words: 1186 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Health Care Financing

...are reimbursed through premiums with a set annual limit. One way is through Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). These plans are popular because it allows the employer to reimburse employees tax free for their personal insurance premium and out of pocket medical expenses up to a certain limit. 5. Are there limitations on care? This approach does not serve everyone equally. Premiums and access to health insurance varies across the nation. Premiums vary with differences in the cost of living, what medical providers are in the area, and the pattern in health care practices. 6. What guides care decisions for patients? 7. What is the quality of services? This plan provides a higher quality of service with better advancements in medicine and healthcare. The healthcare industry is usually paid better and faster so physicians are more likely to provide a better level of care. 8. Are there competitive options? There are large numbers of choices out there to choose from. Consumers and employers may choose from products ranging in health maintenance organizations...

Words: 1226 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

The History of Emergency Medical Services

...Emergency Medical Services: The Evolution Behind the System Russell Keogler CED 595: Project Seminar May 3, 2011 Dr. Richard Gatteau Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine the evolutionary process of the emergency medical services system. The research explores the impact of war and prominent military figures on the development of emergency medical services as well as civilian efforts made to establish emergency services within the public sector. The research also discusses the ways in which major medical advancements and various reports and acts of legislation played a crucial part in the development of the modern day EMS system. Overall, results show that the EMS system as we know it today is a fairly modern creation based on centuries’ worth of ideas and discoveries. Introduction In modern day America the three digits 9-1-1 signify an accessible lifeline for individuals in need of emergency medical attention. The vast system is accessible from any telephone line and provides emergency services to even the most remote locations of the country. However, in spite of the simplistic process to initiate services, the emergency medical system is very complex. Thousands of independent agencies working in different capacities must coordinate efforts to insure that the system runs efficiently. Without effective cooperation by organizations the system would undeniably fail to meet the expectations of those calling for medical aid (Limmer &...

Words: 10277 - Pages: 42

Free Essay

The Evolution of Medicine

...Term paper EN1320 Dr. Baughman Jay C. Montgomery August 13, 2015 The Evolution of Medicine By Jay C. Montgomery The evolution of medicine was a contributing factor to important advances in our own modern day medicines and technologies. While there are many civilizations to choose from, some of the best contributions came from the Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Roman, Muslim, Indian, and Japanese cultures. In order to understand what these civilizations did to transform the medical world, it is a necessity to first recognize and appreciate what they were able to accomplish with the little resources available at the time. That being said, even though these societies had little to work with, they were still capable of amazing achievements. The first civilization being considered is the Egyptian civilization because it is one of the oldest and most well-known for their proficiency in various fields, including medicine. The Egyptians possessed a large amount of knowledge of healing with herbs as well as repairing physical injuries in order to tend to the workers responsible for building the great monuments that we still see today in Egypt (Shuttleworth, Ancient Medicine). The Egyptians were very skilled at performing eye surgery, since irritation of the eyes was common in a desert society. Most of the archeological evidence we have today is thanks to the well preserved mummy corpses. We know that healed skeletons were a good indication that prove the Egyptians were capable...

Words: 2827 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

History of Military Technology

...Transformations of Military Technology Transformations of Military Technology The military is armed forces authorized to use lethal force, and weapons, to support the interest of the citizens, and the profession of soldiering goes many years back. The military’s primary reason of existing is to engage in combat and be victorious. This is the primary focus for all military throughout history. Tactics and methods are used for engaging and defeating the enemy in direct combat. However the soldiers and armies have come a long way from the spear, or the bow and arrow. The innovations along with changes in tactics and strategies were crucial to the evolution of warfare. In the middle ages the army, air force, marines, national guards, and navy did not exist. Medieval knights were the middle ages military. Knighthood was awarded to members of nobility. Normally a man must have been born the son of a knight in order to become one. At the age of seven or eight, a young knight would be sent away from home to begin formal knight training, in preparation to dominate the medieval battlefield. In this training, the most commonly used weapons for war were swords and the lance; by horseback riding knights wearing body-covering armor. In addition, the knights were taught to use a wide range of weaponry, from simple tools and farm implements to sophisticated acts of surrounding and attacking the enemy, for capture. Wounds inflicted on the battlefield were usually cuts to arms, legs and scalp;...

Words: 1714 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Essay On Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence

...Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Introduction: Artificial Intelligence The growing field of artificial intelligence is one that continues to show potential in many areas of expertise such as legal work and medicine. Artificial intelligence (AI) as explained by Semmler and Rose is “the process of simulating human intelligence through machine processes” (Semmler). There are many kinds of AI that do different things, but the main attribute of all AI is the ability to learn from specific data and use what they learn to perform a task. Some simple AI can improve the chance to find diseases in blood by keeping good records, while others can do the work of first-year associates at a law firm (Nunez). There are now countless AIs and with them starting to become widespread the ethics of having powerful AI is now being studied. The study of AI is widespread and unregulated in many countries which has created an opportunity for questionable AI to appear. This has caused an issue of ethics to appear and be studied. Researchers of AI such as Sean Semmler and Zeeve Rose look into the effect AI has...

Words: 1871 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Essay

...healthcare complete. Predominant "targets" of the health system before the healthcare system came to the United States of America, healthcare was declared to be an isolated and to some extent an unsystematic compilation of services. When the health system was newly established in the United States it brought forth a sense of organization and the concentration to health care in which it had been missing up to that time. Technology to handle predominant health problems starting around the 1900's phase two in the health system brought medicine into a new technology. The practice of medicine that was performed was measured more of an unofficial compilation of unverified oversimplification and the intent to perform in a manner that would help patients, but as of today health is not something to make assumptions about that is why with the opening of John Hopkins Medical Center health care became more of science. The scientific method was introduced into medicine, which gave it a good base in becoming meticulous and without a doubt a definite art. Social organization for health care Phase three was the turnaround point at which insurance plans were starting to grow and being more widely used in the healthcare system, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid. This is the principle healthcare as a...

Words: 771 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Hygiene and Nutrition

...Healthier mothers and babies have resulted from better hygiene and nutrition, availability of antibiotics, greater access to health care and technologic advances in maternal and neonatal medicine. Since 1900, infant mortality has decreased 90%, and maternal mortality has decreased 99%. 1 WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education (including breastfeeding promotion and support), and referrals to health and other social services to participants at no charge. WIC serves low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk. 2 The interviewee is a Registered Dietician at Mary’s Center. She is responsible for assessing nutritional needs, diet restrictions and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling. It was interesting to learn that the WIC program is just not available in the United States but also to Military families overseas in places such as Germany, England, Japan, Portugal etc. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Overseas Program provides several important benefits: nutritious food that will contribute to a healthier diet, education on nutrition and proper diet, tips on how to prepare a balanced meal, nutrition and health screening, and access to other resources to lead a healthy life. WIC Overseas is designed to provide additional nutritional food items to supplement other foods purchased by eligible beneficiaries. 3 References: ...

Words: 307 - Pages: 2