Medicine Through TimeKey Facts
Key 20th/21st Century Developments
Part of Modern Medicine — GCSE History
This key facts covers Key 20th/21st Century Developments within Modern Medicine for GCSE History. Revise Modern Medicine in Medicine Through Time for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 4 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 17 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 2 of 17
Practice
8 questions
Recall
4 flashcards
📊 Key 20th/21st Century Developments
| Development | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| DNA structure | 1953 | Watson & Crick. Foundation for genetic medicine, genetic testing, gene therapy. |
| First kidney transplant | 1954 | Joseph Murray (USA). Led to transplant surgery as standard treatment. |
| First heart transplant | 1967 | Christiaan Barnard (South Africa). Patient lived 18 days. Transplants now routine. |
| IVF baby | 1978 | Louise Brown — first "test tube baby." Revolutionised fertility treatment. |
| Human Genome Project | 2003 | Mapped all 20,000+ human genes. Opens door to personalised medicine. |
| COVID-19 vaccines | 2020–21 | mRNA technology developed in record time. New vaccine platform for future diseases. |