1. Your eyes are capable of processing 36,000 pieces of information per hour: They efficiently deliver data for your brain to process so that you can contextualize and evaluate it instantly. This is how we understand not only the activity that surrounds us, but art, writing and other stimulating pieces of visual information.
2. Your eyes will process 24 million images in your lifetime: Overall, they contribute toward 85 percent of your knowledge. Simply put, they're responsible for setting up how we react to the environments in which we live.
3. One eye consists of more than two million working parts: Incredibly complex, your eye, as previously mentioned, is a highly productive and resilient organ that can adjust to different conditions and overcome a number of disturbances.
4. Your eyes can recognize candle light from up to 14 miles away: Of course, this can only be done under perfect conditions, but it's impressive nonetheless. Your eyes are the strongest muscles in your body relative to their duties, and they function at 100 percent capacity. Capabilities such as this one prove they're one of the most powerful tools possessed by humans.
5. Males are much more likely to be colorblind than females: Seven percent of the American male population, 10 million, see green and red abnormally. Meanwhile, just four-tenths of a percent of women experience the same problem. Researchers hypothesize that the genes causing colorblindness reside close to each other on the X chromosome — males, of course, only have one.
6. Instantaneous hearing loss occurs at 120 decibels: Prolonged exposure to any sound reaching 80 decibels can cause hearing loss, but instantaneous hearing loss can occur at 120 decibels, which is the equivalent of sitting in front of speakers at a rock concert. At 140 decibels, the equivalent of a jet engine or a gunshot, hearing loss and actual pain can occur.
7. Tinnitus affects at least 15 percent of the U.S. population: If you constantly hear ringing, clicking, hissing or roaring sounds, you're not alone. Common causes include exposure to loud noises and medication, and it can even occur as a side effect of issues such as high or low blood pressure, heart problems and the presence of tumors. Human ears are sensitive anatomical organs that should be treated with the utmost care.
8. You can smell about 10,000 odors: Although our sense of smell is inferior to the sense of smell possessed by animals, many of which have inferior eyesight anyway, we're still capable of detecting a multitude of odors using the nose's olfactory receptor neurons. Those receptors are each encoded with a unique gene; if you lack a gene, then you lack the ability to detect that smell.
9. Your sense of smell is closely linked to your memory: Part of the brain's limbic system, the olfactory bulb accesses the hippocampus and amygdala, which are responsible for associative learning and emotion respectively. People often link smells to events from the past as a conditioned response, a result of that smell being repeatedly paired with an experience.
10. Females possess a better sense of smell than males: Another sense in which women have men beat. A study conducted in the U.S. a decade ago showed that women of reproductive age were able detect various scents at a higher rate than men, and it's possibly due to the influence of female sex hormones. When males and females are middle aged or older, however, their senses of smell are roughly the same.
11. A woman's sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy: Some women experience such a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy that ordinary, normally pleasant smells become unbearable. Doctors haven't pinpointed a reason why this occurs, but there are several theories, one of which claims it's a side effect of morning sickness.
12. Eighty percent of what we experience as taste is actually smell: It's common knowledge that smell affects taste. Every child has held their nose to avoid tasting nasty food they were forced to eat by their parents. Such a behavior hinders odor molecules from reaching the smell cells in your nose, enabling you to skip the displeasure that comes with eating what you don't like.
13. Females possess a better sense of taste than males: Females and males have approximately the same number of taste buds, so the difference is in how they process taste impressions. A study conducted by the Danish Science Communication and food scientists from The Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE) at University of Copenhagen determined that boys require 10 percent more sourness and about 20 percent more sweetness to recognize such tastes.
14. You can't taste what your saliva can't dissolve: Saliva dissolves the chemicals in food allowing the receptors on your taste buds to detect taste. Without it, obviously, food is tasteless. To see (or taste) for yourself, dry your tongue with a paper towel and attempt to taste dry foods consisting of sugar and salt. It'll be as if you were devoid of the sense altogether.
15. Your back is the least sensitive part of your body: Unlike more sensitive parts of your body, your back contains a very small section of the somatosensory cortex, and thus experiences only minor sensations when touched.

Sources: Livestrong, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), University of Illinois, Medline Plus, Discovery Health, BBC, Pregnancy Today, Live Science, Science Daily, University of Washington, Human Body by Linda Calabresi

1. Children spend more time with their siblings than with friends, parents, teachers or even alone. While siblings may not always get along, they do choose to pass a great deal of their free time with one another — more than anyone else in their life, in fact. By the time children reach age 11, they're spending about 33% of their free time with siblings. Even as they grow into adolescence and get busy with their own lives, a Penn State University study found that they still spend about 11 hours a week with one another. In big families, these numbers can be even higher, with kids passing 17 hours with one another.
2. Siblings fight. A lot. Sometimes with a conflict every 10 minutes. Any parent of more than one child knows that they sometimes just don't get along. Whether it's a power struggle, competitive personalities or just plain irritation from being around one another, siblings spend a lot of time battling it out. One researcher found that brothers and sisters between 3 and 7 years old engage in conflict 3.5 times an hour. Younger kids fight even more, with a fight happening every 10 minutes.
3. Sixty-five percent of mothers and 70% of fathers exhibit a preference for one sibling over another. Talk to most siblings and they'll tell you in a heartbeat who they believe their parents prefer. While most parents outwardly deny having a favorite child, studies have proven time and time again that this simply isn't the case. Many, if not most parents have a favorite and kids are well aware of it. Research has shown that many non-favored siblings use this situation to their own advantage, but that it can be damaging in the long run to their self-esteem and confidence.
4. Having a sibling of the opposite sex makes boys and girls more likely to adhere to gender norms. Siblings can often try to mimic one another and follow in each other's footsteps, but another phenomenon known as de-identification can also come into play. This is when siblings make a purposeful attempt to be different from each other and stake out their own role in the family dynamics. It can come into play in strange ways with families who have one child of each sex. Studies have suggested that this may intensify gender identification, with girls seeking out more traditionally feminine activities and friends and boys playing up the rough and tumble traits more readily attributed to their gender.
5. Having a sibling of the opposite sex may help you pick up dates more easily. Having a sibling of the opposite sex can have some other effects as well. Those with an opposite sex sibling were found in studies to have an easier time initiating and maintaining a conversation with a member of that demographic. The study revealed that those with older siblings of the opposite sex were seen as more likeable and were likely to strike up a conversation and smile, giving them a marked advantage on the dating scene.
6. Firstborns are generally smarter than the younger siblings, having on average, a three-point IQ advantage over the second sibling. As unfair as it may be, siblings who are born first tend to have a substantial academic advantage. They outperform their younger siblings by the equivalent of having had an extra year of schooling and are more likely to score higher on an IQ test. There are several theories on why this is the case, the strongest being that older siblings spend time teaching their younger siblings, thereby reinforcing their own understanding of concepts and ideas. Oddly enough, other studies have shown that younger siblings are generally born with a higher IQ, but this disparity reverses by the time children reach age 12.
7. Younger siblings tend to be more extroverted than older siblings in large families. Some believe that this is because they are so used to dealing with a large number of siblings, they are forced to speak up to get attention. It can also occur in smaller families for similar reasons. This extraversion can have long lasting effects, with surveys of siblings showing that younger siblings often have an easier time being funny and having lighthearted interactions with others. Younger siblings in the study were also found to be more creative, unconventional and rebellious than their older siblings, who were often much more serious.
8. In general, siblings interact significantly less with each other if they are not fully related. As odd as it may be, siblings' interactions and relationships with one another may be partially determined by blood relatedness. While some step- and half- siblings may grow close over time, relationships are much more intense and warm between those who are fully related. Oddly enough, the same rules don't necessarily apply to adopted children as step-siblings and half-siblings. Studies done by the University of Minnesota have shown that these relationships aren't significantly affected by adoption.
9. Your sibling's bad habits may rub off. For instance, a girl with a teenage sister who becomes pregnant is four to six times as likely to become a teen mom herself. If you have an older sibling who drinks, you're twice as likely to drink. With smoking the numbers are four times as likely. Yet it isn't a given that siblings will follow in each other's less-than-stellar footsteps. The closer siblings are in age, the less likely a younger sibling is to emulate the older. Researchers think this may be because the siblings are already so alike because of their closeness in age that each one may seek ways to differentiate themselves.
10. A big part of individual personality develops in relation to interaction with siblings. All those fights with siblings may just change who you are as a person. Skills children learn in conflict resolution with siblings can carry over into other areas of life, making us better or worse at forming romantic relationships, working with others or having lasting friendships. Some other studies have suggested that birth order with siblings may also play a role in personality development, with older siblings being more nurturing and middle siblings being peacemakers, though many dispute these findings.
11. Siblings can make you shorter. A study of 14,000 British children found that those with three siblings were, on average, about one inch shorter. Having an older sibling can literally stunt your growth, because by the time younger siblings arrive on the scene there are simply fewer resources to go around. With less time, money and attention, younger siblings may come up short.
12. Have more older brothers may have an impact on sexual preference. It sounds strange, but having a few older brothers may make you more likely to be gay. According to new research, for every son a woman produces, the chance that her next son will be gay increases by 28-48 percent. It's called the Fraternal Birth-Order Effect and researchers estimate it plays a role in the sexual preferences of up to one in seven gay men. No similar effect is found with women.
13. The number of siblings you have and your birth order can influence your health. Younger siblings are less likely to develop allergies and eczema than their older siblings, perhaps because by the time they arrive their home is already awash with germs brought in by other siblings helping to build a stronger, better immune system. Of course, all that health early on might not matter, as older siblings are much more likely to live past the age of 100. Researchers think it has more to do with the age of the mother when she gives birth than anything else, with the idea that younger eggs and wombs means healthier babies.
14. Birth order does not affect personality. The effects of birth order on personality have been the subject of research for decades now. Many believe that older children, middle children and younger children develop traits based on where they are in the birth order and the role they play in the family. New research shows that might be true– to a point. These effects are only limited to familial interactions and do not extend to those that take place outside of the family unit. So while the oldest child may be sober and serious while at home, he or she may be quite different in the role he or she plays in the outside world.
15. Siblings tend to resemble each other in looks and intelligence but are quite different in personality. Researcher Robert Plomin discovered that when it comes to home we look and how our brains work, we're usually pretty similar to our siblings. Yet when it comes to personality, even though we share similar genetic material and upbringings, brothers and sisters often can't be more different. Tests done on siblings to measure personality demonstrated that siblings might as well be strangers. Similar studies revealed something else as well. Even if you and your sibling are vastly different, those who didn't grow up as only children are generally happier than their counterparts.

1. High blood pressure affects about 50 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide. This means that one in three adults or 31% of the population will be affected by the condition. In order to avoid becoming part of this statistic, start learning some ways to better monitor and lower your blood pressure today.
2. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. Ever wondered just what blood pressure is? It's pretty simple and just measures the force of blood pumping through your body. Blood pressure is highest near your heart and in the major arteries and lowest in small arteries and capillaries. Because it can vary throughout your body, blood pressure is taken in a standardized place, usually on the inside of your upper arm along the brachial artery.
3. People who have normal blood pressure at 55 years of age have a 90% risk of developing high blood pressure in their lifetime. Even if your blood pressure is fine now, it doesn't mean that it will always be the case. As you age, your risk of developing high blood pressure goes up exponentially, and older adults need to keep a much closer watch on blood pressure to ensure it stays within healthy ranges.
4. Blood pressure is found by measuring the pressure in the blood vessels during a heartbeat and when the heart is at rest. You might have noticed that blood pressure is recorded with not one, but two numbers. The upper number, systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps blood throughout the body; the lower number, diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxing. Healthy blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower.
5. Sodium can have a big impact on blood pressure. Are you paying attention to how much salt you eat every day? If not, you should be. Increased levels of sodium in the body are directly correlated with increased blood pressure levels. Some individuals have a greater response to salt levels than others, but in most cases, lowering the sodium in a diet can substantially lower blood pressure.
6. High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious conditions, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. These are some of the leading causes of death in the US, so they're nothing to scoff at if you have HBP. In the short term, elevated blood pressure levels can make you tired, give you headaches, cause vision problems and give you an upset stomach– none of which are pleasant.
7. All blood pressure levels above 120/80 increase your risk for health problems related to high blood pressure. When the systolic pressure is greater than 120 and the diastolic pressure is greater than 80, patients are diagnosed as having high blood pressure. These levels have recently been lowered from 140/90, so if were in the clear in the past, you may want to reevaluate your blood pressure and your lifestyle to stay healthy.
8. The ranges for normal blood pressure in children and teens are different. Because they are smaller and their hearts and vascular systems may be functioning a little differently from adults, different levels are needed for children and adolescents when measuring healthy blood pressure. Check with your doctor if you're concerned your child may have a high blood pressure issue.
9. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as a number of medications, can help you maintain or reach a healthy blood pressure level. About 70% of those with high blood pressure who took medication had their high blood pressure controlled or lowered. If you do not want to take medication, losing weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet, reducing sodium, caffeine and alcohol intake and quitting smoking can all help lower high blood pressure.
10. High blood pressure is more common in older adults and more prevalent among African-Americans. Four out of 10 African-Americans have high blood pressure, and the chance of developing high blood pressure as you age is fairly high. If you are in either of these groups, it's important to talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk and get your blood pressure under control.
11. Blood pressure that is below normal readings is called hypotension. It is possible for blood pressure to be too low. This condition is called hypotension and can result in a decrease in the amount of blood being pumped to the brain resulting in lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness and fainting. Extremely low blood pressure can be a sign of a severe cardiac disease and should be taken just as seriously as high blood pressure.
12. High blood pressure itself usually has no symptoms. That is why it is often called the silent killer. Since there is often no way to tell that you have HBP, you should visit your doctor's office to get regular checkups.
13. In 2010, high blood pressure will cost the United States $76.6 billion in health care services, medications and missed days of work. The health care impact of so many adults having high blood pressure is monumental. Those who do not have full health care coverage or none at all can be left to bear many of these costs out of pocket, so preventative care is essential.
14. Twenty-five percent of American adults has prehypertension– blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range. Prehypertension raises your risk for high blood pressure and could be a sign that you need to take a hard look at your lifestyle and health choices.
15. In patients who are older than 50 years of age, controlling systolic blood pressure is more important than controlling diastolic blood pressure. Why is this the case? Because systolic blood pressure is directly linked to the risk of heart disease, one of the leading causes of death for adults in the US.

1. Raw or undercooked food. Whether you're cooking at home or going out, eating food that hasn't been cooked thoroughly or brought to the appropriate temperature can put you at high risk of developing food poisoning. While you might enjoy rare steak, runny eggs or certain raw veggies, these foods can all carry bacteria when they are not cooked long enough or hot enough to kill off the offending particles. Common bacteria found in undercooked food include E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter. Be safe instead of sorry and ask that your food be cooked through or use this chart when at home.
2. Food that is not stored at the proper temperature. While simple common sense would tell you that leaving foods like meat and dairy products out of refrigeration makes them unfit to eat, temperature regulation can be a bit more complicated. Refrigerators can malfunction, foods can be forgotten on the counter and instructions on labels can be misread. To keep yourself safe, always check the temperature on your fridge and freezer. They should be at 40 degrees F and 0 degrees F respectively. Always read the label to see what foods will need be refrigerated immediately and which have to be cooled after opening. If you plan to freeze foods, do it within 2 days of purchase. This can help prevent some very serious bacteria from growing and making you sick.
3. Letting food sit out. Most of us are smart enough to not let refrigerated foods sit out, but sometimes we can forget to put away the leftovers or want it on hand at a party. In order to keep these foods safe to eat and avoid some common bacteria taking hold, you should always put leftovers away as soon as you can. If you're serving food at a party, keep hot food at 140 degrees F or warmer, cold foods at 40 degrees F. Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours, especially if the weather is warm. This will help ensure that neither you nor your guests end up sick.
4. Not washing hands before eating or preparing food. Contamination of foods from dirty hands is a big cause of many cases of food poisoning. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling foods at home (for at least 20 seconds) and only eat at restaurants with strong showings in health department assessments. Additionally, always make sure your hands are clean before eating food as well, especially if you will be touching them. Without these precautions, you could put yourself at risk of coming in contact with bacteria like staphylococcus-aureus and clostridium-perfringens.
5. Contamination of other foods by raw meat. Cross-contamination of foods is a major health issue and one that many out there should be highly conscious of avoiding at home. When juices from contaminated meat get onto cutting boards, hands and into the refrigerator, contamination can spread to other foods, some of which you might not plan to cook at all. It is essential to keep raw meat, poultry and fish separate from other foods. Always wash any utensils, countertops and cutting boards that have come in contact with them immediately, sanitizing them with bleach and water, or even having separate tools for handling meat can be a big help.
6. Eating raw shellfish. Raw oysters may be a delicacy, but ingesting them doesn't come without some serious risks. Oysters from the Gulf of Mexico are commonly contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria which can cause mild to serious food poisoning. Additionally, even oysters that do not come from this region are often left unrefrigerated for several hours while being brought to shore. While you may be fine after eating raw oysters, be aware that ingestion of these shellfish uncooked is a big risk and could lead to serious health issues.
7. Improper canning. Canning foods at home has been a common practice for several decades, but it's one that needs to be carefully monitored in order to ensure that the food being preserved won't carry contaminates along with it. Botulism is perhaps the most common bacteria contaminant in improperly canned food, and is one of the most serious and potentially deadly forms of food poisoning out there. Always boil jars and lids to be used in canning to kill off any lingering bacteria and make sure that all cans are properly sealed. Improper canning can also happen with foods you get off grocery store shelves so look out for bulges, discolored food, or seepage.
8. Ingesting expired food. We've all done it at one point or another, but eating expired food comes with a big risk for food poisoning attached. Always check expiration dates before ingesting any food in your home or purchased at the store. If there is no date on the package, no packaging or only a sell by date, use the government guidelines for cold storage to help you determine if a food is safe to eat or not.
9. Not reheating food thoroughly.You might think that you only have to worry about food poisoning in foods that haven't already been cooked, but that's not entirely the case. You should also be careful with foods that you're reheating, especially if they've been hanging out in your fridge for more than a couple of days. When reheating foods, make sure that meats reach a temp of at least 160-170 degrees F and that other foods come to around 165 degrees F. This will ensure that any bacteria that might have made its way into the food will be killed off and that you'll be able to avoid a common cause of food poisoning.
10. Not washing produce thoroughly before preparation. Even those seemingly innocuous veggies can be the source of food poisoning if not washed and prepared properly. Prior to reaching your table, there's no telling how many things they may have come in contact with, so always clean any fruit or vegetables with a soft kitchen brush and water (or a pre-prepared veggie wash) to ensure that any bacteria it contains will be largely washed away. This is especially important with foods that you do not plan to cook. While foodbourne illness is more commonly caused by meats, recent outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli have originated in spinach and tomatoes.
11. Unclean cooking utensils and surfaces. When it comes to food safety, cleanliness matters. Dirty kitchens attract mice and rats that can spread disease and also create ideal places for bacteria to grow and thrive and access your food. It's essential to keep any space you plan to cook in and any tools you plan to use highly sanitized. The USDA advises putting a tablespoon of bleach into one gallon of water to create a sanitizing liquid. This can help prevent any bacteria hanging out in your kitchen from getting on food and will ensure that none are able to cross contaminate one another.
12. Unpasteurized foods. For the most part, people are fine after eating foods that are unpasteurized, provided they have been stored and served in a safe manner. Yet for those with compromised immune systems, who are pregnant and the very young and very old could be at risk for food poisoning from these. Commonly pasteurized foods include milk, cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, ciders and juices. Unpasteurized versions of these foods can carry Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can make individuals very sick.

1. Over 17 percent of hospitals are for-profit. In 2002, that number was only around 10%, demonstrating a marked growth in the for-profit health care industry over the past decade, growth that's expected to continue over the next five years.
2. For-profit hospitals often focus on high-end, high-revenue treatments. Visit a for-profit hospital and you're likely to see a gleaming cardiac wing, top-notch brain surgeons and fancy CT scanners. What you are less likely to see are family planning services, emergency rooms and psychiatric care. These services have a low rate of return on investment and may actually cost rather than bring in money, so many private institutions opt out of providing them. Of course, there are some for-profit hospitals that provide the bulk of these services (and others) to their local communities.
3. More for-profit hospitals engage in morally questionable practices like patient dumping. A study found that for-profits were twice as likely to dump emergency room patients onto other facilities as not-for-profits. Patients who do not have insurance or whose plans will not cover emergency care were more likely to be transferred, often in a manner that violates the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. Not-for-profits certainly aren't in the clear here, but the difference between the two is striking.
4. For-profit hospitals are buying out may non-profits. In communities around the nation, many not-for-profit hospitals are struggling to stay afloat. Rising costs, a heavy patient load and outdated equipment make some simply not economically viable. For-profit medical groups are often stepping in and buying these hospitals. While some community leaders are relieved that the hospitals are being saved, others worry that it will be at a cost to the economically disadvantaged in the community. With more hospitals on the auction block every day, the effect of this change is likely to become clear in the coming months and years.
5. It'll cost you more to go to a for-profit hospital. Not necessarily because they just want to charge you more, though profit margins certainly are an issue. For-profit hospitals don't get the tax breaks that not-for-profits do, meaning they have to charge more to make up for it. How much? Expect to pay around 19% more for a visit to a for-profit than a not-for-profit.
6. For-profit hospitals have a higher death rate, on average. While the results of the study have been hotly contested, a group of Canadian researchers found that for-profit hospitals have a slightly higher death rate — around 2% higher. While the study found a difference, researchers were unable to pinpoint just what was causing the disparity, but some think it might have to do with for-profits cutting corners in order to generate more revenue. Of course, that number doesn't mean every for-profit has a higher death rate — it is an average– some may have a much lower chance, while others are much higher.
7. A woman is 17 percent more likely to have a C-section at a for-profit hospital. While the number of C-sections performed nationwide at all hospitals has skyrocketed in the past decade, a fact many see as a direct threat to the safety of both women and their children, a California study found that women are even more likely to get a C-section at a for-profit hospital. The reason isn't hard to figure out. A surgical birth costs twice as much as a vaginal one, and more C-sections means more profit. Additionally, once that baby is born, it's more likely to end up in a pediatric ICU, whether it needs it or not, at a for-profit.
8. You're more likely to get diagnosed with costly conditions at a for-profit. And that would be fine, provided that was really what was ailing you. A study in a German medical journal found that many for-profits may be guilty of up charging. They compared admissions of patients with respiratory infections and pneumonia, two conditions that can be pretty hard to tell apart from a medical standpoint, but with one usually paying about $2000 more to the hospital. Over the past decade, for-profits diagnosed the more expensive condition at rates much higher than that of not-for-profits. Lawsuits have since reduced this phenomena, but more recent data shows that for-profits still routinely cost Medicare more than their non-profit counterparts.
9. For-profit hospitals may have an advantage when it comes to efficiency. There is one area in which for-profits often excel. Because they're watching the bottom line, for profits are better at reducing waste, streamlining their processes and running a more efficient, tightly managed facility. Of course, there are exceptions, and studies have found that it depends more heavily on ownership than on profit status whether or not a hospital will be efficient.
10. For-profit hospitals may stretch staff more thinly. Because they're focused more operating efficiency, for-profits often have lower staffing ratios. This may not mean much for patients, as these staff members are usually compensate by being more productive (most patients often rate than standard of care similarly.) Yet it can make a difference in terms of stress and job satisfaction for those who are working in a for-profit institution. A study found that hospital workers are more likely to feel valued as a person, receive praise and feel their job is important at not-for-profits than at for-profits.
11. Dementia patients are more likely to be over treated at a for-profit. The practice of tube-feeding patients with advanced dementia has been widely criticized by the top medical journals and isn't medically necessary in most cases, yet doctors are still using it as a treatment for dementia patients. While it occurs in for-profits and not-for-profits alike, patients at the former are 33% more likely to be given a feeding tube. It is even more common at large hospitals in either category, with a whopping 50% greater chance of feeding tube insertion in hospitals with over 300 beds.
12. Patients rate higher loyalty and satisfaction in for-profit ERs. While some for-profits might shy away from these low-return facilities, those who do have them tend to have higher rates of patient satisfaction than their not-for-profit counterparts. Some suggest that the reason for this may be due to for-profits having access to greater capital, meaning they can more easily invest in updated equipment and services. Additionally, not-for-profits are often chronically overburdened with patient volume and suffer from short staffing, factors that could reduce overall satisfaction
13. For-profit hospitals rate consistently lower when delivering care for these common conditions: congestive heart failure, heart attack and pneumonia. If you've got any of these conditions, or suspect you might, you may be better off heading to a not-for-profit if you have a choice. A 2006 study by the Harvard Medical School determined that patients with these conditions were more likely to get high-quality care diagnosis and treatment for these conditions as not-for-profits– a fact they suggest is due to increased staffing and more technology.
14. For-profit hospitals have lower costs per patient. Whether this is for better or worse for patients is up to you to decide, but Census data in 2008 recorded that the average total cost per patient per stay is about $7,985 at a for-profit hospital compared to $10,081 at a not-for-profit. This could be due to greater cost-cutting measures, efficiency or differences in staffing at for-profits versus their counterparts.
15. The impact of for-profit hospital conversion on the community is varied. Some may see for-profit hospitals taking over not-for-profits as a blessing, others as a curse, but the facts don't have much to lend either side. Studies conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health found that some for-profits dramatically increased care to the poor while others decreased it, sometimes as much as 40%. The study found that, on average, there were no long-lasting changes in care between the two types of hospitals, meaning a lot of worries communities have about for-profit health care could be unfounded.

Anatomy and Physiology

1. Morbid Anatomy: Art, medicine and culture collide in one bizarre, beautiful resource perfect for the philosophical physiologist.

2. Street Anatomy: Another seriously cool, provocative blog standing on the intersection of art and science, this time focusing on how creative types use the human anatomy in some incredible, unexpected ways.

3. I Heart Guts: The organs of the human body never looked so adorable. I Heart Guts' wide range of products will greatly appeal to anatomy and physiology students hoping to make light of their research.

4. Dr. Greg Wells: Sports and other stresses have unique positive and negative impacts on human physiology, which students can peer into at Dr. Greg Wells' blog.

5. The A&P Professor: Anatomy and physiology students hoping for a career in education would do well to bookmark Kevin Patton's useful blog and website. It may not update as much as some of the others, but it certainly has plenty to offer.

6. Anatomy and Physiology: Despite being kept for a specific course, the resources (including PowerPoint slideshows) listed here make for excellent supplements no matter what school one attends.

7. Anatomy and Art: Check out some incredibly useful medical illustrations and animations as well as bits of news and opinions from the industry.

8. A Blog Around the Clock: Though a general science blog focusing on sleep and education, A Blog Around the Clock often (and unsurprisingly) features physiology-related articles.

9. A Repository for Bottled Monsters: Follow the National Museum of Health and Medicine's unofficial blog for some real human anatomical and physiological oddities of interest to students and professionals alike.

10. UCL Museums and Collections Blog: Presented by University College London, this resource offers up discussions of its extensive holdings, which include some interesting tidbits for comparative anatomy buffs.

Cardiology

11. Dr. Wes: This internist, cardiac electrophysiologist and cardiologist keeps readers frequently updated about the latest news and views regarding the cardiovascular system.

12. Cardiology Blog: Alegent Health cardiologist Dr. Eric Van De Graaff makes the subject of heart health and science accessible to a broad audience, making it a nice read for physiology students looking for some lesson supplements.

13. The Journal of Invasive Cardiology Blog: Anyone considering (or holding) a cardiology career would do well to bookmark this industry journal's official blog, which builds upon many of the concepts discussed in the publication itself.

14. Emory Cardiology Blog: Emory University presents a blog focusing on cardiology events and research. It may not update as frequently as some of its peers, but its content still warrants consideration all the same.

15. The Heart Scan Blog: Stop here for thorough advice on heart health, particularly pertaining to controlling plaque and other physiological phenomena that compromise it.

16. Sherman Heart & Vascular Blog: Dr. Maciej K. Malinski with the Sherman Heart and Vascular Center writes easily digested articles about keeping the cardiovascular system as happy and healthy as possible.

17. The Cardiologist's Wife: Though blogger Lisa Tedder keeps everything informal, physiology students will appreciate her quick and easy take on heart health.

18. Vegan Heart Doc: As an ardent runner, iron man triathlete and vegan, this interventional cardiologist knows more than a few things about the cardiovascular system's nuances and maintenance.

19. The Heart Beat: WebMD's Dr. James Beckerman informs visitors about the various measures big and small they can take to reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.

20. The Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Center Blog: This informative resource looks at multiple facets of cardiology, from the technology involved to more general health tips.

Genetics and Evolutionary Biology

21. Gene Expression: Razib Khan keeps an incredibly popular blog covering a wonderfully wide range of genetics topics, with commentary on politics, culture and religion rounding out the content.

22. Genetic Future: Physiology students who enjoy philosophizing about humanity's potential evolutionary patterns will absolutely adore this Wired blog.

23. Genomicron: Read some excellent postings regarding genetics, evolutionary biology, genome size and other relevant topics at the thoroughly engaging Genomicron.

24. The DNA Exchange: Multiple contributors weigh in on all things genetics, particularly the political, social and ethical issues surrounding the subject.

25. MassGenomics: Physiology students with an interest in medicine, technology and genomics might like browsing MassGenomic's intelligent, informative content.

26. Blogs at GenomeWeb: Check out some of the internet's best (and, occasionally most provocative) postings on genetics, the pharmaceutical industry, medicine, informatics and more.

27. Pharyngula: PZ Myers presents one of the most well-respected online resources regarding evolutionary biology — an essential field of study for anyone finding genetics fascinating.

28. This Week in Evolution: Stop by This Week in Evolution for updates on the latest news and views on a broad spectrum of relevant topics. Human evolution and genetics both receive ample attention as well.

29. The Dispersal of Darwin: Politically-charged physiology students wanting to learn more about the politics of evolutionary biology and, to a lesser extent, genetics will want to check out this blog.

30. The Panda's Thumb: Fans of comparative physiology and anatomy, evolutionary biology and genetics have plenty to love about The Panda's Thumb and its highly informative content.

Internal Medicine

31. Clinical Correlations: NYU's internal medicine blog covers a beautifully broad amount of subjects for the physiology student fascinated by the science and technology behind various treatments.

32. db's Medical Rants: Take internal medicine musings with a generous shot of education, healthcare issues and other related subjects, compliments of Dr. Robert M. Centor.

33. Cypress Internal Medicine Blog: This relatively new blog by a quintet of doctor moms showcases the internal medicine practices that stretch far beyond the town they call home.

34. ACP Internist: Presented by the American College of Physicians, ACP Internist posts up some excellent resources centering around internal medicine.

35. The American Journal of Medicine Blog: One does not have to subscribe to the eponymous periodical to benefit from the latest research it posts up on the official blog.

36. Internal Medicine News: Everything students need to know about this resource, which includes much more than just a blog, can be found right there in the title — this is an almost one-stop shop for anyone studying internal medicine for school or fun.

37. Clinical Cases and Images: Casesblog: Internal medicine buffs should tune in to Clinical Cases and Images: Casesblog and geek out over the research, technologies and new developments on display.

38. Internal Medicine of Southwest Florida: Follow a variety of news and opinions from around the internal medicine world, with some useful general health articles sprinkled in for good measure.

39. cancerwise: When looking for information about oncology, physiology students can do no better than this essential read by the world-famous M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

40. Respectful Insolence: Read the candid, exceptionally popular rants of a surgeon and scientist as he navigates the complex world of medicine and healthcare.

Neurology

41. Mind Hacks: At the intersection of neuroscience and psychology sits Mind Hacks, an amazing read about an even more amazing organ.

42. Frontal Cortex: Wired's Jonah Lehrer keeps a wildly popular brain science blog accessible to a general audience without isolating anyone with a professional interest in the subject.

43. NeuroLogica Blog: Dr. Steven Novella keeps an incredibly detailed blog covering neurology, medicine and other fields tying directly into them.

44. The Neurocritic: Psychopharmacology and human brain imaging blend with cognitive and neuroscience, resulting in a very provocative read dissecting the latest relevant medical and health news.

45. Neurophilosophy: Like the title implies, neuroscience and philosophy converge here for an excellent, provocative glimpse into both subjects — and their myriad overlaps.

46. Neuroanthropology: Study the human brain and nervous system through an anthropological lens at this highly illuminating, engaging resource.

47. Neuroskeptic: This neuroscientist turns a critical eye towards his field, offering up some different perspectives on the way doctors and researchers approach the human brain.

48. Neurobonkers.com: Enjoyable Neurobonkers.com presents its psychiatric and neurological content with both biting humor and welcome insight.

49. NeuroDojo: A University of Texas-Pan American biology professor writes up some of the internet's very best writings on all things neurological.

50. Talking Brains: Neurology and linguistics share an utterly unsurprising overlap, as Greg Hickok and David Poeppel frequently — and provocatively – attest.

1. Shake, Rattle and Roll: Kate Kelsall does not allow Parkinson's to interfere with the life she loves, and she dedicates her blog to spreading awareness of the realities behind having it.

2. Wobbly Williams: Humor makes for a valuable educational tool, and the bloggers here at Wobbly Williams use it to promote Parkinson's awareness and dispel many of the myths associated with the disease.

3. Recently Diagnosed with PD: Anyone adjusting to life with Parkinson's Disease should head to this blog first, which overflows with myriad resources and inspiration for patients and loved ones alike.

4. Life With Shaky: Despite its comparatively infrequent update schedule, Life With Shaky makes for a sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking insight into day-to-day dealings with Parkinson's.

5. Positively Parkinson's: Turn to Bob Kuhn's blog for excellent advice and altruistic support when looking for Parkinson's information and inspiration.

6. Studio Foxhoven: Terri Reinhart opens up about Parkinson's and Dystonia, chronicling her experiences with the hopes of shedding light on the ups and downs of life with both.

7. Off and On: Off and On largely covers Parkinson's as it relates to Alaskan news, views and experiences, but anyone living anywhere can still benefit from the research and stories it relays.

8. Walking My Path with Parkinson's: Art and Parkinson's therapy collide in one simultaneously educational and emotional read about learning to take life with the disease one day at a time.

9. Bibmomma's Blog: New patients recently diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's will find Bibmomma's Blog a nice sea of solidarity amidst the confusion and adjustments.

10. Today with Pokie Too and Parkinson's, Acute Arthritis and Epilepsy: This blog's 2011 updates have been sparse, but the extensive archives provide great support for Parkinson's patients dealing with other diseases and conditions on top of everything else.

11. bobology: A Midwestern Parkinson's patient proves that the condition challenges, but does not always prevent, patients from doing the things they love most.

12. Sitting Comfortably?: Despite Andy Daly's desire to avoid the subject of Parkinson's, he nevertheless does delve into the subject on occasion — particularly how he earnestly attempts to avoid thinking about it.

13. Parkinsons Journey: Whether a patient, caregiver or loved one, Parkinsons Journey kindly covers all the questions and concerns people have about living with it, including medication and exercise advice.

14. My own Arcadia Blog: Individuals and families dealing with Parkinson's who prefer Spanish-language resources must absolutely bookmark My own Arcadia Blog.

15. METAMORPHOSIS of BTRFLYNANA/LIFE WITH LYME DISEASE: Despite the title, this blog also covers plenty of topics associated with typical and atypical Parkinson's in addition to Lyme disease.

16. But This is the Hand that I Shoot With: Consult Marc Sherman's little corner of the web when looking for comfort and inspiration when Parkinson's-related challenges arise.

17. Bill Schmalfeldt: Musings of a Parky Pundit: This writer serves up Parkinson's advice and information with a hefty helping of social commentary, politics, humor and plenty more.

18. Parker's Climb: The Parker's Climb crew hope to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro with the hopes of raising money for Parkinson's research, which they hope to accomplish in July 2011. Follow their training and goal progress here.

19. Moving Forward: Take a look at Parkinson's from a clinical (and activisist) lens, courtesy of neurologists at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

20. Partnerships for Parkinson's: This organization brings together patients, loved ones, researchers and businesses together to work towards finding a safe, effective Parkinson's cure.

21. pearlies of wisdom: Children of Parkinson's patients — most especially those tasked with caretaker duties — can turn towards pearlies of wisdom for inspiration, advice and resources for making sure their parents live as happily and healthily as possible.

22. About Parkinson's Disease: Blogs are not a replacement for medical advice, but caretakers and patients considering natural and homeopathic cures might find this one interesting and informative. Make sure to consult a doctor before embarking on any of the discussed strategies, of course.

23. Talk Parkinson's: Parkinson's UK, consisting of patients, family, friends, medical professionals and other supporters, wants to put its resources towards discovering a cure and dispelling many of the myths associated with the disease.

24. Sarasota Neurology: Not all of the content provided by The Florida Headache and Movement Disorder Center's neurology blog revolves around Parkinson's, but it is one of their most frequently covered subjects.

25. Caregiving.com: This general caregiving resource provides a great boon to anyone assisting a Parkinson's patient — or others suffering from a similarly difficult, degenerative condition.

26. Uniquely Young Onset: Neuropsychologist Dr. Paul Short works with Parkinson's sufferers and family members, devoting his blog to individuals struggling against a diagnosis at a particularly young age.

27. On the Blog: Updated monthly, this blog by the National Parkinson Foundation discusses strides made in researching the disease. Though the target audience is comprised of medical professionals, patients and their loved ones still greatly benefit from the information posted.

28. Team Fox: Both the Team Fox blog and website promotes efforts of activists worldwide, who host events with the hope of raising money for Parkinson's research.

29. The Value of Openness: PatientsLikeMe keeps a general blog meant to inspire and empower individuals with various conditions, but it does frequently cover issues of interest to the Parkinson's community.

30. Parkinson's Unity Walk: Parkinson's patients, their loved ones, medical professionals and supporters should hit this blog if they're interested in following this fundraising and awareness event.

31. Parkinson's Resource Center of Spokane: Both a blog and a useful website, the PRCS posts up relevant local events as well as national and international news and views regarding Parkinson's.

32. Ask the Doctor: Ask the Doctor, Weekly Journal and Programs and Events — all presented by the Parkinson Research Foundation — blend blogging and forum posting together in order to address various concerns and news relating to the disease.

33. Clinical Research News: PDTrials keeps visitors updated on the latest findings in Parkinson's studies, with particular attention paid to treatment options.

34. News: Presented by the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, this feed looks at the disease from a clinical perspective, focusing mainly on all the latest research.

35. HeroTeo — The Parkinson's Journey: Teo Kim Hoe chronicles his battle with Parkinson's in both book and blog form, hoping to inspire others in the situation and pass on information about exercise, medication and plenty more.

36. Ride with Larry: A blog, website and documentary all in one, Ride with Larry serves as an inspiration to anyone impacted by Parkinson's, be they patient, caretaker or loved one.

37. Dr. Diane's Blog: This busy professional discusses brain disorders, Parkinson's, stroke, MS and other neurological issues. Her schedule may be sporadic, but she does have some valuable things to say.

38. Day by Day with a Movement Disorder: Blogger Rosemary was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Peripheral Neuropathy, but later discovered it was Essential Myoclonus. Here, she provides an intimate glimpse at coping with life when suffering from any sort of neurological or movement disorder — including Parkinson's, for which she links to some incredibly valuable resources.

39. On Being a Christian With Parkinson's Disease: Not everybody afflicted with Parkinson's will find solace in faith, but those who do — particularly if they adhere to Christine doctrines — might find this blog inspirational.

40. Move 4 Parkinson's: This new read hasn't been around for too long, but the content it features still opens up a broader understanding of how Parkinson's impacts people — and the exercise and nutrition suggestions they may want to try.

1. Increased risk of outbreak: Infectious diseases such as cholera, yellow fever, the plague and myriad others spread much faster in urban environments. Unsurprisingly, this has pretty much everything to do with a condensed population living in close proximity. Europe's devastating outbreak of bubonic plague in the 14th Century, killing off 30% to 60% of the continent's population, is probably the most infamous example of this phenomenon. In more contemporary times, the World Health Organization notes the swelling risk of yellow fever in West Africa's fast-growing urban centers. Considering they increase in population at a rate of around 4% a year — the highest in the world and double than the international average — this stands as a particularly disconcerting scenario.

2. Stunted mental functions: Urban living comes packaged with a melange of physical, mental and emotional stimuli, and on particularly active days can get more than a smidge overwhelming. Spending enough time in such environments may result in poor impulse control, reduced memory and complete exhaustion — among other lovely things. Scientists attribute this degradation to a distinct lack of nature, as exposure to greenery and other organics holds considerable sway over mental, physical and emotional well-being. Considering more people live in cities than rural areas, such a lack of exposure to the natural world spells out some disconcerting things about humanity's future. Some metropolitan areas now employ developers and scientists with the hopes of redesigning to allow for much healthier spaces.

3. The "double burden" of diseases: City dwellers suffer from a heightened risk of both infectious and noninfectious chronic diseases, oftentimes referred to as the "double burden." This especially holds true in impoverished, squalid neighborhoods whose inhabitants lack adequate health care access as well as regions experiencing exceptionally quick urbanization. Asthma, for example, runs far more rampant in such areas, as many individuals and families end up forced to live in moldy housing. Even beyond diseases, deaths and injuries as a result of work or violence also increase when living in major metropolises. These frequently kill or debilitate victims long before chronic infections or conditions have a chance to take hold.

4. Increased risk of depression: In addition to blunted mental functions, urbanites may also suffer from depression at a much higher rate. Poverty could especially stoke the metaphorical fires, as do poor working conditions — both of which sadly stand as major facets of city life. Many individuals with no prior history of depressive disorders develop them after further immersion low-income housing and careers. Research on the subject oftentimes turns up mixed results, of course, though few would be surprised if a definitive correlation finally emerges.

5. Obstructive lung disease ravages the homeless: Air pollution unsurprisingly negatively affects the respiratory systems of pretty much everyone calling an urban area home. Anyone living in or near heavily industrialized regions face a far higher risk of coming down with chronic lung and/or pulmonary issues. Car exhaust, too, isn't the greatest thing to inhale on a daily basis. But one of the world's most marginalized demographics especially suffers from the damages of respiratory ailments the most. Obstructive lung disease occurs at a 15% rate in the homeless — double the average in the United States. Bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are also far more common in this population as well. Cigarette smoking, inadequate nutrition options and exposure to the elements only worsens their health.

6. Poor water means poor health: No matter the socioeconomic bracket, exposure to a compromised public water supply leads to a health crisis of urban proportions. Of course, poorer areas unable to afford the sanitation technology necessary to lessen the chances of serious or fatal outbreaks suffer the highest risk of a public health nightmare. Whether by natural or man-made means, any sort of contamination to a city's water supply could spell doom for a much broader population segment than the ones found in rural regions. There's a reason why officials (or, at least, the few genuinely concerned about humanity) wring their hands over the possibility of bioterrorists directly infiltrating public wells, reservoirs and other major drinking water sources. Beyond that, callous corporations treating lakes and ponds as personal dumping grounds for pollutants and waste infamously make life that much unhealthier for the populace.

7. Lessened risk of death or injury in a car accident: This probably sounds incredibly bizarre, but city slickers are actually far less likely to die or sustain a serious injury in a car accident than their rural counterparts. In some of the most egregious cases, particularly Wyoming, Montana and Mississippi, the rural death rate sits at double that found in urban areas. While the findings understandably pique their fair share of controversy, this phenomenon is attributed to the generally poorer condition of roads. Passing laws to help prevent such things almost always come packaged with a plethora of public outcry, making it exceptionally difficult to lower the risk across the board.

8. Improper design of multifamily housing is a cause for great concern: Beyond the comparatively rapid spread of communicable diseases, multifamily housing units also cause serious problems for those concerned about respiratory and pulmonary conditions both temporary and chronic. Depending on its design, some homes may actually trap outdoor air pollutants indoors, making life dangerous and miserable no matter where inhabitants roam. Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon, benzene, nitrogen dioxide and more can all creep inside – assuming they don't come from within the home itself! Asbestos, lead paint and mold, while not exclusive to urban areas, also pose massive health threats. Once again, poverty-stricken neighborhoods fall victim to squalid, unhealthily-designed housing options far more than those with the money to renovate and restore.

9. Physical inactivity: Not all instances of obesity or being overweight are caused by physical inactivity — genetics, health and medical issues and diet can play a part in it as well. One cannot assume that all fitting the criteria necessarily incorporate little exercise or proper nutrition into their lifestyles, though sadly such stereotypes unfairly persist. However, in spite of this, the physical inactivity that stems from taking public transportation can (though not always) contribute to weight issues. As one can probably imagine, such health risks arise in developed nations far more often, as those in poorer ones must rely on biking or walking. Individuals concerned with the problems associated with an inactive lifestyle should consider supplementing it by exercising regularly or considering healthier options when going to or from work.

10. It may be easier to correctly diagnose elderly women in urban areas: Please keep in mind such a statement only comes from one study conducted by the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University, so take such statements as nothing yet definitive. Elderly women on the fringes of urban society typically self-analyze as living with fair to poor health, though in rural areas they're more likely to suffer from heart disease — at least in Canada. By contrast, the social determinants used when making diagnoses on elderly women in urban zones are far more accurate.

1. Faster MRIs: A Science Daily article excitedly reports that neuroscientists and physicists with Oxford University, University of California, Berkeley and University of Minnesota have developed new brain scans performing up to 7 times faster than their predecessors. These MRIs render a complete 3D image of the brain in less than half a second. Previously, it took between 2 and 3 seconds. Such a major achievement assists neuroscientists and doctors needing to find dangerous but difficult to find brain phenomena. Physicist David Feinberg refers to the essential organ as a "moving target" — a phrase many unfamiliar with human physiology may find puzzling. But for medical professionals, lessening the amount of time it takes to map the brain means more opportunities to figure out how its more mysterious, fleeting components work.

2. Water fleas as human test subjects: Water fleas, also known as Daphnia pulex, boast the highest amount of genes than any other animal. Yes, that includes humans. But a Science article from February 3, 2011 revealed an even more startling fact — these extremely common, oft-studied little arthropods share more genes with people than any other species in their phylum. From both an environmental and a public health perspective, this discovery can help scientists better understand the impact certain chemicals have on nature and the body alike. While there's obviously going to be many genetic divergences, scientist believe these humble little creatures will play an integral role in toxicology tests beneficial to the overall safety and well-being of many different organisms.

3. Stopping organ failure before it starts: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid developers and researchers have discovered an amazing strategy for scanning cells all the way down at the molecular level. The wondrous device, tested at the Gregorio Maranon Hospital, uses molecular imaging to explore erratic and potentially erratic cell behavior, allowing doctors an amazing advantage when it comes to diagnosing organ failure and other malfunctions. When caught quickly enough, these unfortunate circumstances can actually be partially or fully addressed before causing serious health and physiological damage. In addition, this new biomedical miracle also holds the potential to help professionals develop stronger, more effective medications fighting diseases and debilitating conditions right where they begin. Juan Jose Vaquero and Manuel Desco head up the thoroughly awesome team and its efforts to patent such a revolutionary piece of machinery.

4. "The YouTube Cure": Scientific American discusses the story of Paolo Zamboni — a neurosurgeon with the single greatest last name in history — and the highly controversial role social media played in finding him subjects for experimental surgery. He developed a method to relieve some of the horrid pain associated with MS using inflated balloons on twisted neck nerves, but needed to perform the procedure multiple times to ensure its validity. News of Zamboni's theories hit the internet before his article in the Journal of Vascular Surgery was even released, and hospitals and individual patients the world over scrambled to participate. Harnessing social media in such a fashion, however, can easily prove just as dangerous and detrimental to a patient's health as it does beneficial. While Zamboni is a legitimate, albeit oft-questioned, professional genuinely hoping to help MS patients, no filters exist for preventing abuse. Individuals and groups both in- and outside the medical field harboring either malicious intent or questionable competence are more than capable of preying off patients' desperation for a solution. "The YouTube Cure" still exists on the fringes of medical science, but time will reveal whether or not it proves a worthwhile strategy.

5. Magnetic molecules: Rainer Herges at Kiel University and his team of chemists devised a brilliant method for manipulating the magnetism of molecules at room temperature. Referred to as "function by switching," this practice involves a machine akin to a tiny record player, constructed of nickel ion, a pigment ring surrounding it and a suspended nitrogen atom. Irradiation with a blue-green light source launches the nickel ion and nitrogen atom to interact in a manner causing the former to end up magnetized. Herges' crew is enthusiastic about potential medical applications, including accurate temperatures gauging, 3D renderings of biochemical phenomena and pH balances. When magnetic salts are introduced as contrast agents, the developers believe their technique could illuminate different metabolic events, localize inflammations and even check for tumors.

6. Bioengineered blood vessels: Right now, many scientists and medical professionals see some exciting promise in Shannon Dahl's biotech work with Humacyte. Donor cells stuffed into polyglycolic acid scaffolds are placed in a bioreactor, resulting in collagen constructs resembling blood vessels. In addition, the risk of a patient's body rejecting such implants is greatly minimized as well. Though currently in nascent stages, Dahl's developments mean some amazing, revolutionary things for patients and doctors with various arterial diseases and conditions. Even after refrigeration for years, the tubes still function in a similar manner to organic veins, arteries and capillaries. Transplants involving artificial polytetraflourethylene replacements oftentimes require repair or replacement after 10 months, making this awe-inducing research all the more attractive and optimistic.

7. The STEM microscope: fMRIs and PET scans are great for picking up major brain damages, injuries and disorders, but not so much for more subtle issues involving chemical imbalances and communication breakdowns. Enter the stunning STEM microscope. A creation of UCLA physicists and neuroscientists, this amazing device records neuron activity in real time. Medical professionals working with schizophrenia, mental retardation, the autism spectrum and other conditions can harness the STEM microscope to better understand exactly how they operate. This leads to sturdier diagnoses and — maybe someday — stronger medications and even cures. At the moment, it can take around 250 pictures per second and provide a fully 3D view of the brain, and professors Katsushi Arisaka, Carlos Portera-Cailliau and their team are working to make it run much faster.

8. Further blurring man and machine: At this point, it's become more than a touch cliche to compare current medical technology advances with science fiction tropes past, though such a mindset is exceptionally apt in many cases. This, of course, is one of them. In his book Beyond Boundaries: The New Neuroscience of Connecting Brains with Machines — and How It Will Change Our Lives, neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis takes what was once purely cyberpunk speculation and outlines today's very real sciences that will flip them into reality. He sincerely believes that mankind sits on the brink of linking the body directly to more sophisticated prosthetics — a dramatic boon for amputees, the paralyzed, individuals with organ failure and others afflicted by similar conditions. From there, Nicoleis visualizes a day when science will allow for complete brain uploads granting functional immortality and a solution for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. And, of course, the obligatory "much more."

9. Kinder, gentler biopsies: At Michigan State, scientists and researchers are painstakingly working on laser technology to render biopsy procedures as painless and noninvasive as possible. Marcos Dantus and Sunney Xie are currently developing a method of scanning moles and other potentially cancerous growths using laser microscopes. They work by sending out quick pulses towards afflicted spots, adjusting themselves to react to and using various compounds. For patients concerned about skin cancer risk and potential, this saves them painful time underneath a knife — not to mention the hand-wringing involved when waiting for tests to come back. Medical professionals involved with pharmacology also benefit from such advances as well. Depending on the laser microscope's calibration, it's capable of exploring how drugs penetrate skin and hair — excellent news when developing the most effective drugs they can.

10. Wireless heart monitors: When hospitals began experimenting with implanting electromechanical pressure sensors in their cardiac patients, they noticed a 30% decrease in readmissions. These wireless heart monitors, researched and created by CardioMEMS, relay arterial signals to doctors and greatly assist them in keeping track of all sorts of factors — making it an indispensable preventative tool. It works by using pressure-sensitive sensors to constantly maintain vigil over the pulmonary artery using electromechanical dynamics. Data is sent directly to physicians and surgeons, who can read cardiac activity remotely and detect possible problems before things get cataclysmic. They're also able to make more effective judgments when it comes to writing up prescriptions, and none of the parties involved have to deal with painful, sometimes problematic catheters. As mentioned earlier, early runs have proven incredibly positive in keeping many heart patients from relapsing and succumbing to the issues initially sending them to the hospital.