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In 1997, the National Institutes of Health, after mounting evidence from clinical trials, formally acknowledged acupuncture for its value in relieving pain, nausea after surgery or chemotherapy, and morning sickness. -
Hippocrates is credited as the first person to believe that diseases were caused naturally, not because of superstition and gods. Hippocrates established the basics of clinical medicine as it is practiced today. He introduced numerous medical terms universally used by physicians, including symptom, diagnosis, and therapy. In addition, he described a great number of diseases without superstition. -
Inhalers have revolutionized respiratory care, enabling effective and convenient treatment for conditions like asthma and COPD, but their impact extends beyond health, as some inhalers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting a push for greener alternatives. -
The smallpox vaccine was the first successful vaccine that saved millions of lives and paved the way for other important vaccines. The smallpox vaccine, pioneered by Edward Jenner, revolutionized healthcare by leading to the global eradication of smallpox, paving the way for modern immunology and vaccination efforts, and inspiring the development of numerous other life-saving vaccines. -
Anesthesia was invented by William T.G Morton. This marked a breakthrough in medical history, as surgery previously had to be performed without anesthesia, causing immense pain and suffering to patients. -
The rabies vaccine revolutionized public health, leading to a significant reduction in human rabies cases and deaths, especially through the widespread vaccination of animals like dogs, which are the primary source of rabies transmission to humans -
Aspirin, derived from willow bark and synthesized into its modern form, has had a profound impact on global health, evolving from a simple pain reliever to a cornerstone in preventing cardiovascular diseases and potentially reducing cancer risk -
Salvarsan, also known as arsphenamine, was an early antibiotic used to treat syphilis. It paved the way for modern chemotherapy and inspired the search for "magic bullet" drugs, ultimately changing the world by offering hope and treatment for a previously devastating disease. -
Oxycodone is one of a group of medicines called opioids, or narcotics. It works by blocking pain signals from the central nervous system and the brain to the rest of the body. It also reduces the anxiety and stress caused by pain. -
Insulin's discovery revolutionized healthcare, offering a life-saving treatment for diabetes, improving quality of life, and enabling advancements in diabetes management technologies, leading to better blood sugar control and reduced complications -
Penicillin was the first antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming. The discovery of antibiotics, starting with penicillin, revolutionized medicine by effectively treating previously deadly bacterial infections, saving millions of lives and enabling modern medical procedures like organ transplants and cancer treatments. -
Hydrocortisone, a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone, has revolutionized the treatment of various conditions, particularly inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, and has also enabled hormone replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. -
The polio vaccine was the first mass vaccination of children against polio. An estimated 1.5 million childhood deaths have been prevented through the systematic administration of vitamin A during polio immunization activities -
Narcan nasal spray was approved in the US in 2015 and is the first FDA-approved nasal spray for emergency treatment or suspected overdose. -
The 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization among older adults by about 50% in the first 2 months after vaccination. Protection from vaccination wanes by 4–6 months after vaccination.