Is it possible for physics contribute to cure disease?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for physics to contribute to curing diseases, particularly focusing on a rare kidney disease. Participants explore the feasibility of individual efforts versus collaborative approaches in medical science, touching on interdisciplinary applications of physics in medicine.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to contribute to curing a rare kidney disease, questioning the likelihood of making progress in this area.
  • Another participant suggests that while physics has applications in medicine, particularly in imaging and treatment technologies, it may not be sufficient on its own to address most diseases.
  • A different participant agrees that physics alone is not sufficient and emphasizes the importance of studying other subjects as needed.
  • Concerns are raised about the financial and collaborative demands of medical research, indicating that curing diseases typically requires significant resources and teams of scientists.
  • One participant highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern medical science, noting that physicists can contribute through imaging technology, but emphasizes the extensive time and funding required for meaningful progress.
  • Another participant mentions ongoing studies related to porous media and pathogen propagation, suggesting a specific area where physics intersects with medical research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that physics alone is insufficient for curing diseases and that significant collaboration and resources are necessary. However, there is no consensus on the feasibility of individual contributions or the role of physics in medical advancements.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific disease in question and the assumptions about the resources and time required for medical research. The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the role of physics in medicine and the challenges of individual versus team-based approaches.

rar0308
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I'm physics major.
I want to cure some rare kidney disease which someone i know has.
Is it likely that if I pursue to cure this disease, then make some progress?
I think because since this is rare disease, so nobody care. so if i care, I could contribute some.
 
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If you find sufficient funding (!) and enough biologists/medical scientists...

There are applications of physics in medicine (medical imaging, cancer irradiation, ...), but I think most diseases are not very physics-related. An education in physics can be useful, but I think it won't be sufficient.
 
I don't think physics is sufficient too. I would study any subject as it is need.
I'm just curious this is doable problem as a hobby or full time.
 
I don't know the disease, but cures for diseases usually need a lot of money, and big teams of scientists (with expensive lab equipment) working for years on that. That is certainly not a hobby project, or even a project for one full-time scientist.
 
Medical science is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. More than ever new therapies are produced by teams including materials scientists, engineers, all manner of biologists, doctors and even physicists. The latter can contribute primarily through imaging technology but it's not impossible to retrain; I did a masters in regenerative medicine and there were physicists as well as biologists on that.

I will say though that it is pretty much impossible that you will cure a disease as a hobby. It takes teams of trained professionals working full time years and millions of dollars/euros/pounds in funding to get close. And despite what you may see on TV it takes decades of work by thousands of researchers to come up with better treatments for a disease. If you did want to contribute then that is great but be under no illusions that you will be able to strive forth on your own and fix this problem quickly.
 
Yes, as I recently learned lots of studies regarding porous media are being conducted pertaining to pathogen propagation across filters. It's a very fascinating field if you are into nano fluids.
 

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