The massive leap forward in the development of replacement
joints and limbs for both human beings and animals has, in part, been
responsible for the creation of new and exciting fields of engineering. These
fields see the merging of biology and mechanics to work on providing solutions
that solve health problems and thus create better health and longer life.
The combined feels of engineering and medicine that are
doing pioneering work in this area include biomechanical engineering and
biomedical engineering. Biomechanical engineering always seems to attract a
great deal of attention following an international sporting event such as the
Olympic Games. During these events spectators witness athletes who’ve lost a
limb and had a replacement limb and therefore compete at the same or even
greater level with those who have not lost a limb.
This ability to work in the field of prosthetics requires a
great deal of research. Biomechanical engineers often spend a lot of time
exploring the forces of gravity and air that act on a living being. They will
look at these things, combined with locomotion, to understand beings as
mechanical systems as well as physiological and biological systems. That way,
they are able to understand how living tissues work and behave. They are able
to work in the field of what is known as tissue engineering. Their work
involves creating new treatments for injuries. They may also be involved in the
design and creation of products such as armrests and leg rests. These are
ergonomically designed products that are intended to support during work
activities and promote good health.
An individual who chooses to work in this field must have a
strong interest in physics and an understanding of movement, kinetics and the
influence of weight and gravity on movement. Equally he or she must have a strong
understanding and knowledge of biological systems, combined with compassion and
a desire to help patients or clients recover and excel to the best of their
ability.
A biomedical engineer will carry out work that is similar to
a biomechanical engineer. However, a biomedical engineer will likely spend a
lot more time doing research. They work in the fields of both engineering
science and health care and medical research to solve problems. Many biomedical
engineers are required to have training in biology, medicine or anatomy.
Both biomechanical and biomedical engineers can get involved
in the actual design and development of prosthetics. This means they must
understand how the products are made and what kinds of materials are uses, such
as bearings, supports and muscle-simulating materials. With artificial joints
that are placed in the body the use of bearings is especially important to
facilitate pain-free movement.
If these fields of medicine and health interest you, then
you may also be interested in photonics. Photonics engineers study light and
its sources. They work to understand how light is emitted, transferred or
transmitted and detected. In effect they understand all aspects of light and
many such engineers choose to apply their studies, knowledge and research in
the field of health care, although of course other options are open too.
The field of photonics broadened massively with the
development of the laser in the 1960s. At that point much of the focus was
applied within the defence industry, but later laser work focused on consumer
goods, communications, health care and energy.
Within the health care field laser technology is used for
surgery, the correction of vision, skin and beauty treatments and in some
instances the monitoring of health.
In the area of elective surgery and beauty treatments, the
laser is playing an increased role. A recent discovery noted that the
stimulation of collagen deep beneath the skin helps renew the skin in
middle-aged and older individuals. A laser device is used to apply this
treatment and it is considered to be virtually painless and scar free. Of
course, a qualified doctor or health technician must apply the treatment.
Eye surgery was once considered to be very tricky and risky
simply because of the procedures involved. It was highly invasive and the
results were never guaranteed. The development of the laser means that
specialists can be much more precise with their work and produce much better
results for individuals with impaired vision.
Finally, within the area of health care, the laser has
proved useful at the removal of tattooed. Tattoos are very much in vogue at the
moment but of course fashions come and go. Many people get older and regret
having a tattoo or think that the original look of the tattoo has been spoiled
with age or sagging skin. That’s when they elect to get the tattoo removed with
a laser.
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