What is Neuro Science? Neuro science deals with the physical, chemical, and neurological aspects of the brain. Neuroscientists are looking at how the brain functions in terms of how it connects with various parts of the nervous system. They have found that certain types of behaviors and conditions produce or cause reactions in neurons. The pathways that neurons use to communicate with each other have been found through research, and new findings are being discovered on a daily basis.
Neurochemistry
This is the study of how chemicals in the brain react to one another. It is basically a study of how chemicals in the brain interact with one another. There are two major branches of this science; structural and functional. Structural neurochemistry deals with studying how drugs affect the brain’s synapses. Functional neurochemistry studies how different diseases affect the brain. A recent study showed that the protein glycine can regulate neuronal activity.
Psychology
Studies the biological underpinnings of human behavior. One example of a field of psychology that evolved from neurochemistry is cognitive science. Cognitive science focuses on how the brain works. Theories of the way the mind works have been around since ancient times, but until recently were not well understood. A recent study by psychologists at Yale University helped to clarify how the brain processes learning.
Behavior Modification
Most people think of behavior modification as controlling children’s behavior, but it is also related to learning and memory. New findings in this area of neurobiology describe a behavior modification approach that involves the use of pharmacological interventions, cognitive rehabilitation, and new methods of stress management. New studies have shown that behavior modification can help to prevent atrophy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroscientists are currently working on imaging methods that will allow them to study brain changes resulting from traumatic brain injury.
Neuromuscular Medicine
Deals with the nerves, synapses, and muscles that make up the human brain. People who suffer from diseases like Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis often have problems with their muscles. In order to treat these problems, neurologists need to learn more about the electrical and mechanical workings of the nervous system. This field of neurology is called neuromuscular medicine.
Neuropsychology
Studies how the brain affects behavior. It studies how we think and reason, how our emotions influence our thinking, and how those emotions affect us. There are three main areas of this science. One is research on how neurological disorders affect us; another is studying the impact of unhelpful behaviors on those who suffer from these disorders; and the third is studying how those behaviors affect those who don’t suffer from the disorders. Neuroscientists are also interested in understanding how those behaviors affect the nervous system, because understanding those neurological disorders could lead to effective treatments.
Physiology
Studies the functions and structures of all the parts of the body. All the organs and systems are related to each other, as are the neural circuits and structures within those organs and systems. The major areas of physiology that are being studied right now include: cardiorespiratory systems, cardiovascular systems, nervous system, and central nervous system. New technologies are helping neuroscientists to better understand these areas and what they are capable of.
Brain Science may sound complicated, but it isn’t. If you want to know more about the different branches of neurology, all you have to do is read the main article in this series. Discover how different areas of science connect to one another, and how each area of science can help scientists understand the human brain better.
Computational Neuroscience
This is a new branch of science that focuses on how individual neurons perform calculations. Neurons are the little connectors between cells through which information is transmitted from cell to cell. The main goal of computational neuroscience is to understand how the brain works, how neurons communicate with one another, and how they regulate behavior. Computational neuroscientists are looking for methods to control and manipulate these networks so we can fully understand how the human brain functions. You can learn more about this exciting and dynamic field in the main article.
Molecular Neuroscience
What about the molecular pathways? This is a big part of molecular biology. Every cell is composed of molecules that pass through cell membranes to reach the rest of the body. New research is looking at the molecular mechanisms involved in how diseases develop, why certain diseases are more common than others, and why some people have more positive characteristics than others.
Behavioral Neuroscience
This is the most exciting area of study because it deals with how we use our minds to survive, think, and learn. We use our brains for everything from driving to picking clothes. But did you know that you can use your mind to control and manipulate the behavior of other people? The main goal of behavioral neurobiologists is to better understand human behaviors so we can design better ways to help people. You can learn more about this exciting field in the main articles mentioned above.
