Biomedical Research
What is it?Why is it important?
What are the types and stages?
Definition of Biomedical Research
Scientific investigations & work from many fields to improve the health and well being of humans and animals.
Advances better health of humans and animals.
Discovers of new and improved practices in clinical medicine.
What it does for the world & community
What areas of medicine is biomedical research being utilized?
Practically any area of medicine that can be
thought of is being biomedically researched.
Where is biomedical research done? What do they really do?
MassGeneral Hospital Research Institute:
1. Public health research, including epidemiology2. Preventive medicine and behavioral health3. Cancer research4. Aging research5. Endocrinology, including neuroendocrinology and
diabetes research6. Cellular biology; molecular biology7. Pharmacology, including psychopharmacology8. Neuroscience9. Genetics 10. Virology 11. Premature births, including birth defects 12. Orthopedic research, including spinal injuries
Examples of Biomedical Reserach
What is NABR• National Institute of Biomedical Research
According to the NABR website,
“ The goal of a scientist engaged in biomedical research is to take his/her research from the bench top to the bedside.”
Focuses on importance of animal testing
Types or Stages of Biomedical Research
BasicApplied
Clinical
Basic Research Conducted to
increase fundamental knowledge by gathering information
Not directed toward solving any particular problem
Provides building blocks for other types of research
• Examples – Used when other forms of
research have taken place
– Used to test potential drugs and treatments in humans
– Builds on what is done in basic and applied stages
– Broad variety of activities and areas of study
Applied Research
Directed toward specific goals
Conducted using o animalso non-animals
methods (computer models or tissue cultures)
o humans
• Examples– Development of
New Drug– New Medical
Treatment– New Surgical
Procedure
Clinical Research
Used when other forms of research have taken place
Used to test potential drugs and treatments in humans
Builds on what is done in basic and applied stages
Broad variety of activities and areas of study
Usually Human Clinical Trials Some people are paid if
willing to participate. Humans are mainly used
when testing drugs
• Examples: – Leukemia– Cancers– AIDS– Many
other diseases