Are there theories of medicine that are under the umbrella of Physical Sciences?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the intersection of physical sciences and medicine, particularly focusing on theories and concepts that originate from physics and have implications in biology and medicine. Participants explore various examples and historical perspectives, including genetic mutation, diagnostic technologies, and foundational theories in biophysics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in the relationship between genetics and physics, particularly regarding genetic mutations and their effects on the central nervous system.
  • Another participant notes the broad scope of the question and highlights various medical technologies derived from physics, such as ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, and radiotherapy.
  • Historical examples are provided, including the contributions of Watson and Crick to DNA research, which were influenced by the physics of molecules, and Schrödinger's book "What is Life," which approaches living processes from a physics perspective.
  • Electrochemistry's relevance to kidney and neuron membrane physiology is mentioned as another intersection of physics and medicine.
  • Discussion includes the physics of blood circulation, specifically the principles of pressure and flow as described by Harvey.
  • A participant mentions the role of biophysics departments in computational biology and bioinformatics, indicating a focus on molecular biology rather than clinical applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a variety of perspectives and examples without reaching a consensus. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the extent and nature of the connections between physical sciences and medicine.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a broad range of topics and examples, but lacks specific definitions or frameworks for understanding the relationship between physics and medicine. Some claims may depend on further elaboration or clarification of terms used.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the interdisciplinary connections between physics, biology, and medicine, as well as those exploring historical and contemporary theories in these fields.

robotkid786
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TL;DR
Are there theories of medicine that are under the umbrella of Physical Sciences
I have an interest in cosmology but I’m also super interested in genetics. The nature of genetic mutation and effects on the CNS medically especially.

Do you guys know any famous medical theories that have developed with a start in physics that have becoming accepted in Biology/Medicine?

I’m just curious. I actually tried to contact the Crick Institute (London) about research in genetics with a physics foundation but they said they weren’t offering any non paid studentships in the field so I assumed it wasn’t a reality.
 
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robotkid786 said:
TL;DR Summary: Are there theories of medicine that are under the umbrella of Physical Sciences

I have an interest in cosmology but I’m also super interested in genetics. The nature of genetic mutation and effects on the CNS medically especially.
This is very broad question. A huge amount is known about genetics, mutation and disease for example.

With respect to physics, Clinical and diagnostic medicine springs to mind, ultrasound, X ray, MRI, Radiotherapy, laser surgery.

Huge amount of cross over and technology taken from physics principles (and Chemistry, genetics, pharmacology, etc etc)
 
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Some old ones:
  1. Much of Watson's and Crick's breakthrough with DNA was based upon the physics of the molecule (1953).
  2. Schrödinger's Book "What is Life" (1943?) takes a very physics based approach to living processes.
  3. Electrochemistry (kidney and neuron membrane physiology) has a lot to do with physics.
 
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Love it guys, thank you!!
 
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robotkid786 said:
Love it guys, thank you!!
One last thing.

Radionuclides, I will let you do the deep dive.
 
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Harvey, the circulation of the blood. The physics of pressure and flow.
 
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Many biophysics departments do research in the field of computational biology (i.e. bioinformatics). Researchers are often more focused on things like molecular biology (e.g., RNA biology) and hardly clinical, but it's a good way to start exploring your interests.
 
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