Neuroscience
Neuroscience is a study of the cellular, functional, behavioral, evolutionary, computational, molecular, cellular, and medical aspects of the nervous system. There are various fields that focus on different aspects, but they often overlap.
Neuroscientists focus on the brain and its impact on behavior and cognitive functions, or how people think.
Understanding how the brain works is one of the last great frontiers of modern science and neuroscience is one of the fastest developing areas of biomedical science. Its study offers the prospect of a real understanding of, and effective treatments for, a great range of neurological and psychiatric illnesses that shatter the lives of many and inflict a massive clinical and socio-economic burden on society.
Why is neuroscience important?
Neuroscience affects many, if not all, human functions, but it also contributes to a better understanding of a wide range of common conditions.
These include:
- Down syndrome
- Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)
- ADHD
- Addiction
- Schizophrenia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Brain tumors
- Epilepsy
- The effects of stroke, for example, language loss
- Immune system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis
A greater understanding of neurological factors can help in developing medications and other strategies to treat and prevent these and many other health issues
