The MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time Revel™ is made by Medtroncs and is available for sale in the United States. The system is designed to make the lives of diabetics easier by monitoring and delivering insulin automatically. This closed loop system can be thought of as an artificial pancreas. The system also predictively alerts the wearer of high or low glucose events so they can take early action if required.

The artificial pancreas has been around for a while, however its not been very reliable mostly due to algorithms which control them. The innovation of giving early warning of hypoglycemia, is a great relief for patients and simplifies the complexity of diabetes management with easy-to-use features.

Read more: Artificial Pancreas - MiniMed Paradigm and REAL-Time Revel

Pathway Genomics Inc., is now selling a personal Genetic Health Report which contains information on more than 70 health conditions. Things tested include prescription medication response, tendency to develop diseases, and carrier status of recessive genes. The process involves signing up to the website, gathering a sample of DNA, and an action-oriented report is generated. There is also a certified genetic counselor available for follow up questions. The genetic analysis is completed at Pathways' wholly owned onsite laboratory.

Having a personal genetic health report is designed can help a person with their lifestyle choices in order to manage health risks. Conditions like asthma , Alzheimer’s, diabetes heart disease, and cancer among others can all be tested for. People can then create a personalized health care program. Even though having a genetic marker or SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) associated with a health event, it should be realized that it won't necessarily develop.

Read more: Personal Genetic Health Report by Pathway Genomics

Spinal Restoration, Inc. is currently trailing their Biostat® System which is a non-surgical procedure for chronic low back pain. It consists of BIOSTAT BIOLOGX® Fibrin Sealant, which is a human derived, resorbable biologic tissue sealant. and an application system for delivering the biologic to the intervertebral disc. Application of the Sealant to the disc may alleviate pain by sealing the disc disruptions, reducing inflammation, and enhancing tissue repair.

A Phase III study of the Biostat System for the treatment of discogenic chronic low back pain is now underway. Its the first 'intradiscal biologic therapy' for discogenic pain to enter into a Phase III clinical trial. If successful, the system could have an extensive, impact on the diagnosis and treatment for sufferers of discogenic chronic low back pain.

Read more: Regenerating Spinal Discs - Biostat System

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery has reported that more than 17 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the US in 2009 which far surpasses any number that has been previously been reported. This is the first nationwide survey of its kind done by the AACS. In addition to the annual polling of its own members, the AACS also surveyed random physicians across the country to find out who is performing cosmetic surgery procedures.

Read more: 17 Million Cosmetic Procedures in 2009

Augmented reality is also known as AR. AR a live view of a physical real-world environment with an overlay of computer-generated imagery. It's main benefit is to allow people to find information without having to be in front of a computer using a search engine. By simply looking at the environment, certain information will appear depending on what it being looked at, and what the person has chosen to view. What is being looked at is determined by the GPS position and the direction is determined by a compass. Both of these are now available in most new smart phones.

What the person decides to view as an overlay can be thought of as layers. For example they might choose to see restaurants, public transport information or even prices of objects in a shop. These layers can be switched on one or many at a time. Other permanent layers might include a clock or the current temperature.

Read more: Augmented Reality and it's Applications

Scientists separately in the U.S. and the U.K. have been working on developing an artificial liver. The artificial liver works outside the body in a way similar to kidney dialysis. The idea is to create a device that would buy time for a patient with acute liver failure where the liver has the potential to regenerate. Blood would be taken from the patient directly into the bioartificial liver, allowing their own liver a rest from processing toxins. This could allow the patient's liver to heal itself. The treatment would take a number of weeks or months before the liver was repaired.

It could also be used as a bridge to transplantation where the patient has chronic liver failure due to hepatitis, cirrhosis or other irreversible damage, and would buy valuable time before transplantation. It will provide some of the lost functions.

HepaMate™ made by Hepalife will be undergoing a new pivotal Phase III clinical trial in the United States in 2010. It follows a clinical Phase I and pivotal Phase II/III studies involving more than 200 patients. which revealed a statistically significant survival advantage for patients with fulminant and subfulminant hepatic failure when treated with HepaMate compared to controls receiving standard medical care alone.

Read more: Artificial Livers

Until recently, laser hair removal has been limited to salons and spas. But now in 2010 the FDA has cleared a laser hair removal system that can be used at home.

This new system delivers lasting, hair-free results just like the professionals provide where you'd normally pay multiples more. It comes with five enhanced comfort settings to make each treatment more effective than the last. This is because the less hair you have the hotter you can have the laser setting.

The system includes the TRIA Laser hair removal device, skin sensor, and instructions for use. After charging the system, you have to activate it by either calling a phone number or over the internet. This only has to be done once and the device won't turn on until this step has been completed.

First, you'll need to ensure your skin is light enough to be treated. The skin sensor will turn green if your skin tone is in range. If it turns red, your skin is too dark and you can’t use it. Tria can't be used with darker skin because of the possibility of getting burned, scarred or blistered.

Read more: Laser Hair Removal at Home by Tria

Although this is called the monthly poll I let this run for two months because I wanted to more accurately gauge the numbers and get an insight on what content to focus on in future.

So the Nov - Dec poll for 2009 asked the question 'Which technology will have the most influence over the next century?'

The results were:

56.1% said Stem Cells and Genetics

26.8% said Nanotechnology

12.2% said Bionics and Robotics

and only 4.9% said Cosmetic Procedures

Read more: Poll Results - Which technology will have the most influence over the next century?