This article reviews the applications of nanotechnology in the fields of medical and life sciences. Nanoparticles have shown promising applications from diagnosis to treatment of various types of diseases including cancer. In this review, we discuss the applications of nanostructured materials such as nanoparticles, quantum dots, nanorods, nanowires, and carbon nanotubes in diagnostics, biomarkers, cell labeling, contrast agents for biological imaging, antimicrobial agents, drug delivery systems, and anticancer nanodrugs for treatment of cancer and other infectious diseases. The adverse affects of nanoparticles on human skin from daily use in cosmetics and general toxicology of nanoscale materials are also reviewed.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has limitless possibilities for applications in the entire spectrum of our daily lives, from healthcare to automobiles to public safety.

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Materials derived from biological sources not only offer biocompatibility but also adjust with the disease for elongated treatments and more effective therapies. These materials can be utilized as building blocks to construct state of the art drug delivery vehicles like nanoparticles, hydrogels, and nanofibers capable of dramatically enhancing the therapeutic efficiency in cancer treatment. New emerging trends in drug delivery design are constantly reported in recent literature using carbohydrates like cellulose, chitosan, and alginate and proteins like albumin, collagen, gelatin, and zein. In addition, drug vehicles with combination of carbohydrates and proteins have proved extremely effective. This article reviews carbohydrate and protein-based materials in fabrication of cutting edge drug delivery systems and clarifies their future impact in therapeutic methods to cure cancer.

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A bionanohybrid consisting of biodegradable/biocompatible poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and surface-oxidized carbon nanotubes (o-CNTs) was prepared via melt-mixing method. The inherent properties of PBS were concurrently improved by the incorporation of a small amount of o-CNTs. For example, at room temperature, elongation at break increased from approximately 21.2% for pure PBS to approximately 55.1% for the nanohybrid and an increase of about approximately 150% in the value of toughness with moderate improvement in tensile modulus and strength. The dynamic mechanical properties of PBS also increased significantly after nanocomposite formation with o-CNTs. Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the mechanical properties and improvement mechanism of surface-functionalized o-CNTs containing PBS nanohybrid.

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Background: There has been a substantial shift in the educational curriculum in Indian medical institutes with a more experiential approach toward teaching. One such method is case-based learning (CBL). Objectives: This study aimed to compare CBL with traditional method and gain students’ and teachers’ feedback. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Pathology Department among second-year bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (MBBS) students. The students were divided into two groups of 75 students: group A was given anemia cases, and group B was given jaundice cases. After covering theory lectures on these topics, the students were given pre-test multiple-choice questions (MCQs). This was followed by this was followed by subdividing students into five groups and conducting three CBL sessions. This was followed by post-CBL test. Data were compared using paired t-test and analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: Out of 150, 110 students attended the pre-and post-CBL test and completed the feedback form. There was a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the mean scores of students in both groups A and B from 8.31 and 7.54 to 13.44 and 12.71, respectively. Regarding the student feedback, it was revealed that 87% of the students agreed with the usefulness of CBL in better understanding of the topic and retention in memory. They also acclaimed that it encouraged their critical thinking and decision-making qualities. Among the faculties, all of them agreed with the incorporation of CBL in the routine curriculum. Conclusions: CBL improves students’ logical, analytical and clinical skills, which helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. Rather than replacing, it serves better as an adjunct to the traditional lectures.