Next-Generation Medical Technology: Reviews

Young adult readers may be aware of 3D printers and possibly even their uses in the medical field, but there are other areas where technological advances are helping save lives and make work easier for medical professionals of which young readers may not be aware. Miniature robots are sent into patients’ bodies to perform surgeries previously considered impossible. Genetic research roots out specific diseases and cancers. Other more general technologies accomplish mundane, time-consuming tasks in better, quicker ways, freeing medical professionals for more skill-specific work. The Next-Generation Medical Technology series explores these technologies in an attempt to increase interest in the young readers who may one day be medical specialists.
After a graphic identifying the history of advancements in the noted specialization, each brief volume explains the birth of each technology and describes how its application (or absence) affects the well-being of patients in desperate need of such technology. The books are well documented, with insightful examples, appropriate term definitions, tangential sidebars, and an efficient index. They also introduce some of the ethical questions that arise with the use of these technologies. Filled with terminology germane to the subject, the texts will be slow reading for middle schoolers. The language otherwise seems aimed at this group, however, so high schoolers likely will find this series too introductory to satisfy voracious appetites. That said, the subject needs to be told, the writers treat their topics with enthusiasm, and the result is an excellent introduction to futuristic medical technology.
—Jim Nicosia.

Genetics and Medicine: ISBN 978-1-68282-325-5 / eBook: 978-1-68282-326-2
Nanotechnology and Medicine: ISBN 978-1-68282-327-9 / eBook: 978-1-68282-328-6
Robotics and Medicine: ISBN 978-1-68282-329-3 / eBook: 978-1-68282-330-9
3D Printing and Medicine: ISBN 978-1-68282-331-6 / eBook: 978-1-68282-332-3
Virtual Reality and Medicine: ISBN 978-1-68282-333-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-334-7
School Library Journal, April 2018

Gr 7 Up—This series explores how advancements in genetics, nanotechnology, robotics, 3-D printing, and virtual reality have transformed the medical world. Titles open with a time line highlighting important milestones in each area. The bulk of the text consists of many examples of the tech in action within the field. Examples include engineered nanoparticles that can detect peanut allergies, prosthetic limbs improved by robotics, and a future in whic 3-D printers can create transplant organs from a patient’s own cells. The language is accessible and key concepts are repeated, reinforcing knowledge acquisition. A slightly oversize font and well-placed photographs and diagrams provide visual relief in an otherwise content-dense presentation. Sources are well documented, and additional resources and suggested websites for further research are included.
VERDICT A fascinating look at cutting-edge technology that will likely inspire a few future medical professionals.