From holding our special memories on the fridge to navigation, magnets help us in many ways. For some though, magnets have an even more significant and life-changing impact. For most 11-year-olds, playing sports and running around the playground is the norm, but for Chicago’s Cal Sorensen, this was not always the case. Born with a severely curved spine, he was forced to wear a back brace to help straighten his back. After doctors realized that this wasn’t working, they turned to another solution: magnets. Two telescopic rods were surgically implanted into Cal’s back. The rods are designed to expand slowly over time to help gradually straighten the spine. In order to lengthen the rods, medical professionals used specially designed magnets approved for medical use (unlike our magnets, which should only be used when following our safety guidelines and NOT for medical purposes). An external magnetic device is placed outside of the body near the internal rods. When adjusting, the rods are slowly turned and then expand at a preprogrammed rate. Cal’s magnets were adjusted every four to six weeks at a rate of three millimeters. The rods will hopefully help his spine become completely straight, and allow him to grow to his full potential. This technology is becoming a more common solution for younger children with spinal problems. Although this solution has worked for some, the rods are not used as a go-to treatment just yet and most doctors still prefer the traditional brace. The brace is used more often than not because it is less invasive and has a lower risk for potentially further harming the patient. The magnets, however, appear to work well for some patients who need frequent length adjustments. After the initial operation of inserting the rods, magnets provide a better alternative to repeated operations where the rods are extended manually. While the rods are not as convenient as using a standard back brace, they have allowed children with spinal problems to live their lives normally, including Cal. What other magnetic innovations are being used to improve people’s lives?