The medical breakthroughs that get reported in the media rarely end up being the miracle cures they’re often portrayed as. In 2008, however, there were several important advanced made in medical science that could have a significant impact on public health in years to come.

1. The question of whether organic food is good for you has finally been answered: A review of studies on nutrient content of organic fruits, vegetables, and grains has confirmed that these have up to 25% more nutrients than conventionally-grown produce.
2. Another long-held myth—about the efficacy of antibiotics for sinus infections—was also dispelled in 2008. Over the course of nine studies involving 2,500 participants, it was found that antibiotics didn’t significantly hasten recovery. According to allergist Neil L. Kao, MD, taking a decongestant or mucus thinner, along with a painkiller as needed, is just as beneficial.
3. If weight loss is your resolution for 2009, look into adding resistant starch—found in beans, green bananas, and potatoes—to your diet. This type of starch is digested very slowly, helping to suppress your appetite, and can help stabilize blood sugar levels, too.
4. Women take note: a new risk calculator, known as FRAX, has been developed to help doctors determine whether women are at risk of osteoporosis, and whether preventative treatment may be necessary.
5. If you receive a diagnosis of diabetes, it’s important to know the results of three major studies that were completed in 2008. All three reinforce the importance of taking control of blood sugar levels as soon as possible, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels as well.
6. Also from the field of diabetes research comes the news that body fat percentage may be a more reliable indicator of risk than body mass index. Mayo Clinic researchers studied 1,101 women with a BMI of less than 25 (considered a healthy BMI), and found that those with higher than 30% body fat were at higher risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
7. Unfortunately for people with arthritis in one or both knees, a result study showed that arthroscopic surgery doesn’t provide any real benefit in most cases. If you’re affected by this condition, the study concluded, you’re better off with physical therapy and medication for pain management.
8. Another potentially major breakthrough is in the field of multiple sclerosis treatment, where current medication can prevent relapse of major symptoms in around 30% of people with the disease. A new drug, called fingolimod, has so far been able to prevent relapses in more than two thirds of patients, for three years, according to results of clinical trials.

photo credit: a.drian