ST. LOUIS – May 18, 2010 – Some health care reform advocates complain that physicians rely too much on expensive technology. Published by Telescope Books, The History and Future of Medical Technology shows that today’s medical technologies are worth every penny—saving lives, improving patients’ quality of life, and helping doctors diagnose diseases during the earliest, most treatable stages.

“Several of the most beneficial medical technologies were invented by physicians who wanted to help more patients than they could treat personally,” said author Ira Brodsky. “John Gibbon developed the heart-lung machine so that surgeons all over the world could operate on quiet hearts. Willem Kolff invented the kidney dialysis machine to save thousands of lives. Raymond Damadian built the MRI machine to give his colleagues a powerful, new diagnostic tool,” he added.

The History and Future of Medical Technology demystifies technologies found in hospitals and physicians’ offices such as CT scanners, laparoscopes, pacemakers, MRI machines, and cochlear implants. The book shows how technology enables more cost-effective care and describes the latest advances in robotic surgery, brain-computer interface chips, artificial retinas, and wireless cameras small enough to swallow.

The History and Future of Medical Technology reminds us of how ineffective medicine was in the days before modern technology:

• Until 1850, all attempts to examine structures inside the living eye had failed. Convinced there was a solution, Hermann Helmholtz practically locked himself in his laboratory, emerging days later with his invention, the ophthalmoscope;
• Until 1895, the only way to look inside the body was with a knife. Though Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x-rays by accident, he quickly recognized their value to clinical medicine;
• Until 1960, there was little doctors could do to help patients with leaky heart valves. Albert Starr teamed up with retired engineer Lowell Edwards and implanted the world’s first artificial heart valve;
• Until 1963, there was no non-invasive method for examining the size and performance of the hearts’ chambers. Harvey Feigenbaum showed that an ultrasound instrument could be used to diagnose common heart problems; and
• Until 1967, the images produced by endoscopes were too faint to be of much use. Harold Hopkins and The Karl Storz Company developed the enhancements that led to today’s minimally invasive surgery.

The History and Future of Medical Technology’s 321 pages include an introduction, thirteen chapters, 26 illustrations, and a glossary. The hardcover book is available for immediate shipment and retails for $34.90.

About Telescope Books
Telescope Books publishes books about innovation in science and technology. For more information, visit www.telescopebooks.com.

ST. LOUIS – February 5, 2008 -In this age of effortless wireless global communications, an intriguing question emerges: From where did this mega-trend of ubiquitous wireless products and services come? Published by Telescope Books, The History of Wireless: How Creative Minds Produced Technology for the Masses describes for the first time the amazing journey of innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs, from early hard-won scientific breakthroughs, to the invention of cellular telephones, to emerging technologies and the industries that are being born around them.

“The story of how we got to where we are today is packed with the passion and excitement of scientific discovery, and is a wellspring of ideas and insights that will help lead the way to tomorrow’s technology and business successes,” said author Ira Brodsky. “The biggest battles—creating new markets, setting new technology standards and inventing new business models—have always been won by people with greater vision, courage and determination.”

The History of Wireless tells the chronological story of how scientific discoveries and leading-edge communication innovations were transformed into today’s mobile phones, wireless LANs and high-definition television. The 250-page trade paperback book provides many thought-provoking examples of how creative people achieved success, often by doing what others said could not be done:

1. Heinrich Hertz discovered radio waves and the photoelectric effect at the same time by carefully observing and pouncing on experimental anomalies;
2. Guglielmo Marconi built the first wireless business amid widespread skepticism while employing a service business model to mask his extremely primitive technology;
3. Reginald Fessenden saw the limitations of Marconi’s technology and conceived the solution, but made compromises when he should have followed his passion;
4. Edwin H. Armstrong invented crystal clear FM radio after a leading telephone company engineer dismissed the technology as not worth pursuing;
5. Paul Galvin, founder of Motorola, never intended to be anything more than a successful small businessman, but learned that risk-taking and growth are essential to survival.

The History of Wireless shows how innovators exploit preparedness and luck, persistence and other peoples’ false assumptions. The book also presents examples of how creative businesspeople leverage “just good enough” technology; know when to lease rather than sell ideas and equipment; and determine when and how to take risks.

The History of Wireless: How Creative Minds Produced Technology for the Masses, retails for $17.95, and is available directly from Telescope Books as well as booksellers worldwide.

About Telescope Books

Telescope Books publishes books about the most important and intriguing technologies, technologists and high-tech businesses. Based in St. Louis, the company draws on expertise in telecommunications, life sciences, computing and entertainment. For more information, visit
www.telescopebooks.com.