Primary Research Areas In Neuroscience
24 September
2022
24 September
2022
The field of neuroscience emerged in the late 20th century and is considered to be fairly recent compared to other research areas such as biology or chemistry. The study of the brain and its link with psychological aspects of animal behaviour was useful in establishing the fact that different parts of the brain are responsible for different functions. The major branches of neuroscience explore the following fields of research: (1) study of neurons at the molecular level, known as molecular neuroscience, (2) study of clusters of neurons, (3) study of thought processes related to human behaviour, (4) use computational methods for the field of neuroscience, and (5) applications of neuroscience in the field of medicine. Neuroscience is used to understand higher brain functions such as learning, memory, consciousness and language.
Cellular and molecular neuroscience is the specific branch of neuroscience that deals with the processes at the cellular or molecular level. The field of neuroscience is dedicated to understanding animal behaviour through the study of the physiological aspects of the brain and the nervous system. An individual cell in the brain, which is used to process and transmit information through electrical signals, is called a neuron. Since each neuron requires a certain amount of neurochemicals to propagate the electrical signals, studying the brain through chemistry and biology is extremely important.
Neurobiology is the field of study that investigates the biological processes and mechanisms of the nervous system and its relation to the behaviour of an individual. At a fundamental level, it studies the physiological nature of the neurons and how information propagation takes place. Molecular neurobiology focusses on identifying and studying the molecules that are involved in neuronal mechanisms.
The study of molecular neuroscience is important because it helps with the advancement of medicine and treatment related to psychological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. In a recent paper published in the journal of molecular neuroscience, the authors investigated the role of chemokines in the progression and development of Alzheimer's disease. Chemokines are a family of proteins that usually act in favour of neurochemical processes but, in this case, the authors investigated how the increased secretion of chemokines can lead to a progression of AD.
The study of cellular and molecular neurobiology helps us understand the neuronal mechanisms at the fundamental level of a neuron. The clarity of the physiological nature of neurons allows us to estimate how a cluster of neurons is responsible for behaviours that lead to higher brain functions such as movement, learning and memory. The study of molecular neuroscience is also useful in understanding and treating mental health disorders such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. With the help of the field, a few of mental health disorders may be viewed as deficiencies of certain fundamental molecules and biochemicals in the brain and, therefore, aid the treatment process.
Behavioural Neuroscience is the field of neuroscience that studies the nature of the relationship between an individual's behaviour and their environment. Behaviour describes the set of actions or activities that a human or an animal performs in order to achieve a goal. The field studies the decision-making processes and consequences associated with an individual's actions. The research on behavioural neuroscience is conducted through two main approaches: (1) exploration of behavioural changes through the study of decision making and how it influences or affects an individual's choice, and (2) study of the relationship between environment and its effects on the behaviour of the individual.
Molecular and cellular neuroscience primarily helps us understand how an individual's behaviour may be affected by the individual's environment. The environment has a significant impact on the emotions of the individual and, therefore, causes changes to the molecular balance in the nervous system. Emotional changes can be observed through the lens of cellular neuroscience by studying the changes at the cellular and molecular levels. The study of behaviour through molecular and cellular imbalances helps us understand the decision-making process of an individual by shedding light on the neuronal mechanisms under uncertainty.
As the name suggests, neuroscience deals with the study of neurons. A neuron is the fundamental component of the nervous system, which is responsible for all kinds of physiological and psychological mechanisms pertaining to an individual. The study of neuronal mechanisms in the brain which give rise to different kinds of behaviour help diagnose and develop treatments for mental health disorders. Neuroscience is the study encompassing the central nervous system and brain functions, whereas medical science deals with the individual in a holistic manner.
Medical science is dedicated to the study of the human body and the diseases related to it. Medical science investigates the fundamental aspects of the physiology of the human body, such as red and white blood cells, and how diseases affect the body. The fresh perspective provided by cell and molecular neuroscience is used to study the relationship between the central nervous system and the physiological aspects of the human body. This branch of neuroscience has helped with understanding neurological diseases better.
Students pursuing research in neuroscience may seek help with assignments through Science Assignment Help services. Proficiency in biology and an interest in conducting analysis using mathematical tools are required to pursue a career in Molecular Neuroscience.
While conducting research in the field, it is important to remain updated with the ongoing studies in the world of neuroscience. Neuroscientists and other researchers often refer to the Molecular Neurobiology journal to keep up with the latest developments in the field. Students who are engaged in biological or neuroscience research may find Biology Assignment Help services useful as a detailed review of the available literature may assist in presenting a compelling argument for successful research.
Please consult our assignment experts if you wish to learn more about the field.
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