For Gen Z, it's time to take the plunge and participate in medical trials. A generation often stereotyped as being boring, Gen Z would do well to remember that their predecessors – including yours truly – have spent countless hours (and dollars) volunteering for clinical trials.
To understand why these trials are crucial, consider this: human medicines must be tested on humans before they can be widely available. This is the only way researchers can identify potential side effects and, occasionally, discover treatments that benefit people of all ages. The quest for a cure for the common cold or a reliable anti-diarrheal won't materialize if the unwanted consequences prove to be lethal.
There have been instances where trials have gone awry – like in 2006 when six volunteers participating in a Theralizumab trial suffered from severe swelling, disfigurement, and even life-threatening organ failure. While this should be alarming enough for an anxious generation, not volunteering could also mean missing out on groundbreaking treatments that won't find approval due to stalling trials.
Volunteering for medical trials can be daunting – especially considering the often-reduced payment offered by researchers, usually only sufficient for time and travel costs. As a student looking for extra cash, I would have been willing to spend an hour taking psychological tests for £20 or having my toe amputated and sewn back on, provided it came with a hefty payout.
My own experiences at universities in Nottingham and Sydney included participating in numerous trials that tested the effectiveness of new medicines. I recall spending three hours under UV light for just £20 and guzzling pills for £35 without being told whether they were real or not. It's clear then that money can be an enticing motivator – though it shouldn't have to be.
However, perhaps my most memorable trial involved having a long tube inserted down my nose, through my digestive system, and out of my bottom. This was meant to study the relationship between pressure waves in different parts of my intestines, but it made me gag like when Ed Harris's character inhales liquid oxygen in The Abyss. The ordeal took three days to complete, with me lying still under an X-ray machine for hours.
It's a testament to medical science that such trials are necessary and worth undertaking – not just financially, but also for the chance to contribute to our collective future of medicine. So come on, Gen Z – it's time to step up and volunteer in the name of science like I did all those years ago.
To understand why these trials are crucial, consider this: human medicines must be tested on humans before they can be widely available. This is the only way researchers can identify potential side effects and, occasionally, discover treatments that benefit people of all ages. The quest for a cure for the common cold or a reliable anti-diarrheal won't materialize if the unwanted consequences prove to be lethal.
There have been instances where trials have gone awry – like in 2006 when six volunteers participating in a Theralizumab trial suffered from severe swelling, disfigurement, and even life-threatening organ failure. While this should be alarming enough for an anxious generation, not volunteering could also mean missing out on groundbreaking treatments that won't find approval due to stalling trials.
Volunteering for medical trials can be daunting – especially considering the often-reduced payment offered by researchers, usually only sufficient for time and travel costs. As a student looking for extra cash, I would have been willing to spend an hour taking psychological tests for £20 or having my toe amputated and sewn back on, provided it came with a hefty payout.
My own experiences at universities in Nottingham and Sydney included participating in numerous trials that tested the effectiveness of new medicines. I recall spending three hours under UV light for just £20 and guzzling pills for £35 without being told whether they were real or not. It's clear then that money can be an enticing motivator – though it shouldn't have to be.
However, perhaps my most memorable trial involved having a long tube inserted down my nose, through my digestive system, and out of my bottom. This was meant to study the relationship between pressure waves in different parts of my intestines, but it made me gag like when Ed Harris's character inhales liquid oxygen in The Abyss. The ordeal took three days to complete, with me lying still under an X-ray machine for hours.
It's a testament to medical science that such trials are necessary and worth undertaking – not just financially, but also for the chance to contribute to our collective future of medicine. So come on, Gen Z – it's time to step up and volunteer in the name of science like I did all those years ago.
medical trials r super important cuz u can't test meds on humans without 1st testing them on actual ppl 
it's true some trials go awry but that doesn't mean we should be scared off from participating 
and yeah the pay might not b great but think about all the life-saving meds ur contributin to develop 
plus its a chance 2 learn somethin new & gain valuable experience 
so let's give it a go gen z 
. Like, can't they see I'm in the middle of saving the world?! Anyway, speaking of binge-watching, have you guys seen those documentaries on space exploration? I mean, it's wild thinking about how far humanity has come and yet we still have so much to learn about our own planet 
. Oh, and did I mention my cat just learned how to knock over a whole jar of flour in one swipe?! 
.
. These young folks need to understand that the research done in these trials can lead to life-changing treatments and even cures 
.
. We need more transparency and equality here so that no one is left behind.
.
. Anyway, I think participating in medical trials is a great idea! I mean, think about it - if you're willing to try a new treatment or test out some weird meds just for £20, then you're basically a hero 
.
. And honestly, if Gen Z is hesitant because they're worried about side effects or whatnot, I get it... but like, isn't that the point of science - to figure out what works and what doesn't? 
), but I do think it's awesome that people are already participating in trials. Maybe we should even start our own initiative or something... just kidding, sorta 
.
As a student myself, I know how hard it can be to make ends meet 
, but think about all the cool meds we could get if people like us participate in trials! 
. But honestly, it's a small price to pay for the chance to help scientists make history 
. Plus, imagine being one of the first ones to try out a new treatment that could change lives!!! 
We should totally be giving medical trials a shot (pun intended 
) and showing our generation can be part of something bigger than just TikTok trends 
!
. Like, you're literally putting your body through hell for a few hundred quid. And don't even get me started on the psychological toll it takes. The whole thing is pretty messed up, tbh 
. As someone who grew up playing outside 'til the streetlights came on without worrying about getting sick from germs 
, Gen Z has it easy when it comes to illnesses. But seriously, having our ancestors suffer through crazy medical trials is a reminder of just how far we've come 
(I'm looking at you, old dude) - it's wild! 
. Gen Z should definitely give it a shot – who knows, they might just change someone's life 
!
), but they're also super important for finding new treatments and cures 
. I mean, my friends and I used to sign up for trials all the time when we were in uni 
! But seriously though 
, it's awesome that these trials are necessary to create life-saving treatments. The payment might not be great 
.