Biomedical technologies are the application of science and engineering principles to a particular domain of biological or living systems with an emphasis on medical problems and the diseases that result from them. As medical advances occur, the applications of biomedical technology also change as the needs of patients and their physicians grow. The key objective of biomedical technology is to help healthcare professionals better deliver treatments to patients and improve patient care by identifying, diagnosing, and treating medical conditions and diseases.
Since the field of medicine itself is so vast, there are several areas of biomedical technologies. Some of these include bioidentical hormones, pharmacological drugs, surgical and physiological procedures, medical devices, and biomedical products and services. It is important to distinguish between these different types of technology for a variety of reasons.
Bioidentical Hormones: These are synthetic hormones which are created to have the same effect like that of natural hormones. A bioidentical hormone is often produced in a laboratory and is then given to patients who have hormone imbalances. They may be allergic to certain medications or have a medical condition which makes them unable to produce hormones naturally. These are generally used to treat infertility, menopause, or depression.
Pharmacological Drugs: These are drugs that are prescribed by doctors for their intended purpose. Most pharmacological drugs are available in the form of either pills or capsules, however they can also be taken orally. These are used mainly to treat serious medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and hepatitis.
Surgical Techniques: These involve cutting open the body to remove certain parts, and inserting objects such as rods, lasers, and micro-surgeons into these areas. The procedures performed during surgical techniques are not only invasive and extremely painful but can also be harmful to some extent. In addition, surgical techniques are very dangerous when performed on healthy tissue, as any part of the body could be affected. The most common surgical techniques used for patients suffering from neurological disorders include neurosurgery, spinal cord surgery, and orthopedic surgery.
Bioanalytical Methods: These refer to methods which test a sample of fluid, blood or tissue to determine what it contains or how it is made. These are usually used in conjunction with a biological technique or process, such as DNA analysis. They are usually used for clinical trials, drug screening and research.
Medical Informatics: This field involves the study of data gathered in a computerized form to assist healthcare professionals in determining how a patient is responding to their medical problem. There are various tools and software available which enable medical informatics specialists to make informed decisions about their patients. These data can then be stored in a database and used for a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic purposes. Medical informatics uses computers and other resources for conducting patient management, statistical analysis and for medical education.
Bioconductor Technology: This field uses new technologies which can be used in biotechnology applications. These applications often involve the development and implementation of various bioinformatics technologies which are used in the production of new medications, the use of gene drives in developing crops, and the development and application of cell lines for medical research. These developments will be the foundation for many more advanced techniques which will enhance the healthcare industry.
In addition to all of this, biomedical science is also used in other fields such as aerospace, medicine, nanotechnology and food science. For example, biomedical technology is being used in the production of materials such as carbon nano-materials for future aerospace applications. Nanotechnology involves the development of new technologies for the creation of materials which are made up of atoms or molecules which are so small they are invisible to the naked eye.
It’s very important to understand the role of biomedical science in our society and how it is being used today. There is a variety of advances being made every day in the use of this science and you don’t need to rely solely on scientists and engineers to give you the answers you seek.
You can benefit from the knowledge and technology of biomedical science and make informed choices about how to best use it in our modern world. A good foundation of information can go a long way towards helping you make sound decisions in your own lives.