Medical research has advanced human health more than all the previous 5,000 years combined. Americans born in 1900 could expect to live an average of 49 years, but those born today will live an average of 77 years.

Healthier life span goes to medical discoveries such as insulin, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and advanced surgery. Scourges such as polio and measles have been virtually eliminated in the U.S., and vastly increased arsenal of treatments to fight AIDS and cancer.

Some medical research links: