The Awesome Power Within.
'Superhuman' explores the mystery of the body, the fantastic way in which it works and its amazing ability to repair itself. The book relates dramatic tales of futuristic medicine taking place today, and how the body's own self-repairing instincts are being massively enhanced with new drugs and techniques.
The book explores medicine being pioneered today and looks ahead to what will be possible in the near future - vaccines against the physical damage resulting from a car accident, "designer" babies, viruses carrying repair genes to the cells before they become cancerous, animal organs modified with human genes and cells that can regrow brain and spinal cord tissue.
'Superhuman' records the before, during and after of radical operations on real people. It witnesses the hopes and fears of doctors and patients as new treatments are administered - in many cases a first for both the patients and the professionals.
We are shown how hand transplantation may become a reality, with trials currently underway - this involves not just tissue grafting, but that of bone and skin. Damage control plays its role with surgeons realising that less is sometimes more in trauma surgery, and that true heroism can lie in holding back from trying to be a hero.
If modern medicine is helping make us superhuman, what are the limits? Sperm can now be separated into male and female, thus allowing us choice over the sex of our children - designer babies are a reality. By looking at pioneering developments 'Superhuman' helps us appreciate and understand how our bodies work in sickness and health.
The unthinkable is brought to life with stunning pictures in this essential guide to the future of medicine.
