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Biomedicine and neuroscience: synergy for understanding and treating neurological diseases, an abstract review
Biomedicine and neuroscience: synergy for understanding and treating neurological diseases, an abstract review
Melisa Esmaeili,1,*Maryam Hadi,2
1. Institute of Higher Education in Cognitive Sciences 2. Azad University, West Tehran Branch
Introduction: The convergence of biomedicine and neuroscience marks a pivotal moment in our quest to understand and combat neurological diseases. For centuries, the brain, with its extraordinary complexity, has remained one of the final frontiers of biological science. While traditional neuroscience has meticulously mapped the structure and function of the nervous system, it is the integration of biomedical tools and methodologies that has enabled us to probe deeper into the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain health and disease. This synergy has fostered a new era of research, leading to a paradigm shift from symptomatic treatment to targeted interventions that address the root causes of neurological disorders. From advanced neuroimaging techniques that visualize brain activity in real-time to sophisticated genetic therapies that correct disease-causing mutations, this interdisciplinary collaboration is revolutionizing our approach to diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis (MS), and a host of other debilitating conditions. The aim of this review is to explore how this powerful synergy is not only enhancing our diagnostic capabilities but also paving the way for unprecedented therapeutic advancements, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions affected by these disorders.
Methods: This abstract review was conducted through a comprehensive and systematic analysis of recent literature at the intersection of biomedicine and neuroscience. We performed extensive searches across major academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using a combination of keywords such as "biomedicine," "neuroscience," "neurological disorders," "neurodegenerative diseases," "neuroimmunology," "gene therapy," "brain-computer interfaces," and "systems neurology." Our search criteria focused on review articles, meta-analyses, and high-impact original research published within the last decade to ensure the inclusion of the most current advancements. The selected studies were evaluated for their methodological rigor and relevance to the core theme of synergy between the two fields. We specifically sought out research that demonstrated the application of biomedical tools, such as advanced imaging, molecular biology techniques, and computational modeling, to address fundamental questions in neuroscience and clinical neurology. The synthesis of this information allowed us to identify key trends, emerging technologies, shared challenges, and future directions for research and clinical application, providing a holistic perspective on this rapidly evolving field.
Results: The collaborative efforts between biomedicine and neuroscience have yielded a rich tapestry of findings and applications. In neurogenetics, the use of whole-genome sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 has enabled the identification of novel disease-related genes and the development of in-vitro models to study their function. For instance, recent studies have identified new genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and have begun to explore personalized gene editing to correct these mutations. The field of neuroimmunology has been transformed by the use of single-cell RNA sequencing, which has revealed the heterogeneity of microglia and their critical role in neuroinflammation, particularly in conditions like MS.
Furthermore, advancements in neuroimaging and biosensors have provided unprecedented access to the living brain. Functional MRI (fMRI) is no longer just for mapping brain regions; it's being used to study neural networks and connectivity, while the development of advanced microelectrodes and wearable sensors allows for continuous, real-time monitoring of neuronal activity in both research and clinical settings. In therapeutics, the synergy is particularly potent. Neuro-bionics has seen significant progress with the development of sophisticated brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that enable paralyzed individuals to control robotic limbs with their thoughts. Similarly, modern neuropharmacology is moving beyond broad-spectrum drugs to design molecules that specifically target a single protein or signaling pathway, a concept known as precision medicine. The application of nanotechnology has also emerged as a game-changer, with nanoparticles being engineered to cross the blood-brain barrier, delivering targeted therapies and imaging agents with minimal systemic side effects.
Conclusion: The convergence of biomedicine and neuroscience presents a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of current knowledge about the brain and nervous system. This synergy is not only instrumental in uncovering the fundamental mechanisms of neural life but also has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological diseases, patient rehabilitation, and the enhancement of their quality of life. Future research in this area is expected to lead to the development of bio-hybrid brain models, widespread use of wearable neurotechnologies, the application of artificial intelligence for personalized treatments, and even the creation of a "digital twin brain" to transform precision medicine.