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Huge progress has been made in medicine over recent decades and in this long-running series we give insight into the people and ideas at the heart of these advances. How, for example, the discovery of fiber optics made it possible to take a close look at the stomach and intestines. Magnetic resonance imaging created three-dimensional images without using harmful X-rays. Advances in intensive care, transplantation and genetic engineering are making it possible to tackle diseases previously regarded as incurable. But there is still much uncharted scientific territory, for example with regard to diseases that have only emerged with our civilization. New episodes:

Rethinking Cancer Therapy
Around 20 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer every year. Doctors and researchers are developing new therapies and delivery techniques to make treatments more gentle and more precise. The aim –supported by interdisciplinary collaboration – is to protect healthy cells and create individualized approaches for each type of cancer and patient. 124

Living with Rare Diseases
Rare diseases often go unrecognized. This leads to misdiagnoses and stressful medical histories. Specialized centers, AI developers, and those affected are trying to improve patient care and make knowledge about these approximately 7,000 diseases accessible. Despite their relative rarity, a total of around 400 million people worldwide suffer from such diseases.

Burned out
In a fast-paced work environment marked by constant pressure, many people ignore the stress signals their bodies are sending them. One possible outcome is the state of profound exhaustion known as burnout syndrome. The physical symptoms can vary widely, which is why a range of therapeutic and psychosocial approaches are required. The medical world is making progress on getting a better understanding this elusive phenomenon.