Considering that pacemakers are invasive hunks of metal surgically placed inside the body to regulate heartrates, Michael Jenkins et al.'s development of a laser pacemaker is exciting to say the least.
Although only tested on quail embryos thus far, Michael Jenkins et al. have successfully used pulses of light to regulate the pace of their hearts. This paves the way for "human pacemakers that don't require invasive surgery or heart-weakening electrodes," according to Gizmodo. Of course, it will take some time to transition from quail embryos to humans.
Laser Pacemakers
Michael Jenkins et al. Developed a Heatbeat Regulating Laser Beam
Trend Themes
1. Laser Pacemakers - The development of laser pacemakers could disrupt the medical industry by eliminating the need for invasive surgery and potentially offer a more effective heart pacing solution.
2. Non-invasive Medical Devices - The trend towards non-invasive medical devices, such as laser pacemakers, could disrupt the medical industry and provide patients with less risky and more comfortable treatments.
3. Light-based Medical Technologies - The trend towards light-based medical technologies, such as laser pacemakers, could disrupt the medical industry by offering a more precise, targeted and non-invasive solution to a range of medical problems.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The medical device industry could be disrupted by the development of non-invasive laser pacemakers that are potentially more effective than traditional metal devices.
2. Healthcare Technology - The healthcare technology industry could benefit from the trend towards light-based medical technologies, such as laser pacemakers, which offer a potentially more precise and non-invasive solution to health problems.
3. Cardiology - The cardiology industry could be disrupted by the development of laser pacemakers, which offer a non-invasive and potentially more effective solution to pacing the heart.