For many individuals, the mere sight of a needle can create intense fear and anxiety. This fear, known as trypanophobia, has been a significant barrier for patients who need regular injections, especially those suffering from diabetes and dependent on daily insulin shots. Because of the pain and discomfort associated with traditional injections, some patients delay or even avoid taking essential medicines, putting their health at serious risk. To address this challenge, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have been exploring advanced technologies that can replace conventional injections with an easier, less frightening method: ingestible capsules that can deliver medicine internally.
The innovative idea behind these capsules is simple yet groundbreaking. Each capsule contains a miniature needle designed to inject the medicine directly into the stomach lining after being swallowed. This way, the medicine, such as insulin, can enter the bloodstream without the need for a traditional syringe. However, early trials revealed a crucial problem. For the injection to be effective, the tiny needle must penetrate the stomach wall at a precise angle. The stomach’s constant movement and the varying position of the capsule made it extremely difficult to maintain this level of accuracy. As a result, the first version of the capsule struggled to deliver consistent results.
To overcome this obstacle, scientists designed two new types of capsules inspired by unique natural and technological models. The first design was modeled after a space lander. This capsule was built to orient itself steadily once inside the stomach and then spray the medicine downward. To test its effectiveness, researchers used a green dye on pig tissues to simulate how the medicine would be delivered. The experiment showed encouraging results, as the medicine reached the targeted tissues efficiently. The second design took inspiration from squids, which can release ink forcefully using a special muscle. In this model, the capsule was cylindrical and capable of spraying the medicine sideways by using a similar muscular mechanism. This method also proved successful in laboratory tests.
Both experimental approaches demonstrated that delivering insulin or other injectable drugs through swallowable capsules is not only possible but also highly promising. Although further research and clinical trials are necessary before this technology becomes widely available, these results bring hope to diabetic patients who fear needles. By removing the pain and psychological discomfort of injections, MIT’s capsule technology could revolutionize diabetes care and eventually change the way many other injectable medicines are administered.
Evaluate the following statements based on the passage:
(I) Both new capsule models were tested using animal tissue but not live subjects.
(II) Researchers primarily sought to enhance the effectiveness of insulin through new formulations.
(III) The redesigned capsules offer potential solutions not only for diabetic patients but also for those who suffer from needle-related anxiety.
Correct Answer :
Only (I) and (III) are correct
Solution :
The correct answer is Only (I) and (III) are correct.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement based strictly on the provided passage:
Statement (I): Both new capsule models were tested using animal tissue but not live subjects.
According to the passage, the first design (space lander model) was tested using "green dye on pig tissues," which represents laboratory testing on animal tissue. The second design (squid model) "proved successful in laboratory tests." Furthermore, the passage explicitly notes that "further research and clinical trials are necessary before this technology becomes widely available," confirming that live subject clinical trials have not yet been conducted. Therefore, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II): Researchers primarily sought to enhance the effectiveness of insulin through new formulations.
The passage states that researchers aimed to overcome the problem of needle delivery by creating "ingestible capsules that can deliver medicine internally." The primary goal was to improve the delivery mechanism (angle, delivery mode, and reducing needle phobia/pain), not to create new chemical formulations of insulin. Therefore, Statement (II) is incorrect.
Statement (III): The redesigned capsules offer potential solutions not only for diabetic patients but also for those who suffer from needle-related anxiety.
The passage discusses how trypanophobia (fear of needles) is a major barrier for patients who need regular injections. It emphasizes that by removing the pain and psychological discomfort of traditional injections, this capsule technology brings hope to diabetic patients and can change how injectable medicines are administered for anyone fearing needles. Therefore, Statement (III) is correct.
Since statements (I) and (III) are correct while (II) is incorrect, the correct option choice is Only (I) and (III) are correct.
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