Dog guides as friends for the visually challenged

Throughout history, dogs have stood by humans as hunters, herders, guardians, and loyal companions. But perhaps one of their most noble and transformative roles is that of the guide dog—a trained companion that helps people with visual impairments navigate the world with confidence and independence. Let’s take a closer look at the history, evolution, and… Continue reading Dog guides as friends for the visually challenged

Malpighi and beyond: Italian legacy with a microscope

Malpighi and discovery of capillaries Marcello Malpighi, was born in Italy in the year 1628. It was the same year, when an English Physician William Harvey had discovered circulation of blood. Blood flows out from heart through the arteries, Harvey discovered and is returned back to it by veins. What connects arteries and veins was… Continue reading Malpighi and beyond: Italian legacy with a microscope

Helmholtz made it possible to look inside the eye

It is extremely rare for a medical doctor to eventually become a Professor of physics. Further, he not only invented opthalmoscope – an instrument we use to look inside an eye, but also unravelled mysteries of sound, principles of mathematics, as well as that of human thought. This person is Hermann Helmholtz, who initially trained as… Continue reading Helmholtz made it possible to look inside the eye

Four medical innovations with an Australian link

Early in 2020, Australia Post issued a set of four postage stamps on Medical Innovations. These stamps are bright and attractive, and each of these innovations were disruptive for the existing practices. Lets explore these, from the most recent to the more established. Spray on Skin Cells Fiona Wood is the first woman plastic surgeon… Continue reading Four medical innovations with an Australian link

Zoonoses: Why diseases from animals now pass on to us

We share a common environment with all other plants and animals. This is not merely a co-existence, but at times a competition for resources such as food and habitat. Our growing numbers, and expansion in available land for settlements, cultivation, and often adventure brings us in a close to the animal kingdom. Micro-organisms live within… Continue reading Zoonoses: Why diseases from animals now pass on to us

Celiac disease: When wheat withers you down

Celiac Disease is an uncommon occurrence, and it affects less than 1% of people world-wide. Those who have it, suffer from diarrhea, bloating, and pain in abdomen. Their intestines do-not absorb nutrients as well, and so they often develop anemia, iron and vitamin deficiencies. Weakened bones, and dysfunctional nerves also take their toll. If it… Continue reading Celiac disease: When wheat withers you down

Widal: A century old blood test and its creator

Widal test is commonly used across tropical countries, in an attempt to find out if a person with fever, has typhoid. This popular test is named after its creator, Georges-Fernand-Isidor Widal, a French physician-scientist. While the test is still popular in areas where typhoid fever is a concern, medical texts rather focus on problems with… Continue reading Widal: A century old blood test and its creator

Olive branches and white doves

Olives Olives are native to Mediterranean region, but are also grown in various other parts of the world. This slow growing plant, does not need much of water to grow. Its oil, as well as fruit have many reported health benefits from preventing diabetes, cancers, obesity and heart diseases. Two olive branches are also a… Continue reading Olive branches and white doves

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