Spit Test

• The simple act of providing saliva has opened the door to a more convenient way of detecting cancer, among other things.
• According to Science News, “Besides the water, saliva is swimming with bacteria, viruses, DNA, RNA, proteins, and fatty acids, and hundreds of other molecules” (Science News, 9/17/2008, Vol. 168 Issue 12, p187-188; Christen Brownlee).  
• Scientists project that spit tests will eventually replace blood tests for diagnostics, which is both less costly and invasive (Science Daily, May 26, 2008).
• One company in particular, 23andme, provides an at home kit for anyone interested in learning more about their health or ancestry. (https://www.23andme.com/)
  

Cardiovascular

• The temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) provides hope for those waiting on a heart transplant.
• The, “lifesaving technology is used as a "bridge to transplant" for patients who are waiting for a donor human heart and who have both sides of their heart failing, do not respond to other treatments and are at imminent risk of death.”  (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/63411.php)
• New scanner created to detect cardiovascular disease quicker. According to the University of Utah, “the Definition Dual Source Computed Tomography (ct) scanner can capture a three-dimensional image of the heart.”
• While older scanners detect artery problems only when they are 70 percent blocked; this new scanner will find blockages at 30 percent or less.
• Old methods, such as the treadmill test do not pick up on early changes of the heart, which can eventually lead to a clot or heart attack, if not detected. (http://healthcare.utah.edu/cardiovascular/news/news/dualsource.html)

Neurological

• PROPELLER technology offers clearer Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans
• The Barrow neurological Institute in Phoenix has developed new device that is more susceptible to patient motion during an MRI scan.
• The device will be helpful for those who have trouble holding still during the scan, such as children and patients with Parkinson ’s disease.
• The device also offers hope for stroke patients, which will make it easier to detect even small strokes.

(http://news.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-3/New-technology-developed-at-Barrow-Neurological-Institute-enhances-MRI-capabilities-6880-1/)

Orthopedics

• The DPX densitometer allows physicians to measure patient bone density and follow it over time.
• Traditional X-Ray machines do not necessarily detect potential problems, until a percentage of bone density is usually lost.
• The DPX densitometer measures bone density in spine, hip, and other bones that fracture.
• The bone densitometer allows for early detection and treatment of Osteoporosis