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Medical technology has advanced to such a degree that we can replace limbs, transfuse blood, and repair damage that previously would have been fatal. Science fiction, often the forerunner of human ingenuity, has predicted many of these improvements. Here are a few pieces of medical technology that previously seemed like science fiction.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major health concern in the U.S. This disease of the respiratory system causes restricted airflow and an abnormal inflammatory response, which can make something as simple as breathing extremely difficult.

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints and organs. RA tends to alternate between symptom flare-ups and remission periods, making it a difficult disorder to predict and treat. A great deal of research into rheumatoid arthritis has identified many risk factors and potential treatments, although there is still no cure for arthritis.