Biomedical Resources

Biomedical science is a broad field of research, incorporating researches into the working of cellular structures and processes as they occur at the levels of the individual cell or tissues or organs and how scientists can control them through mechanical and chemical means. Findings from a diverse spectrum of fields, including biological anthropology, molecular biology, neuroscience, physiology, and pharmacology impact the advances made in the biomedical field. These findings have found multiple medical applications and biomedical engineers continue to refine processes and develop new technologies.

Educational Resources:

Cellular Structure:

• Amazing Cells – In-depth look at multiple facets of the structures and processes within living cells
• Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, & Virurses Tutorial – Basic breakdown of information about the structure of different types of cell
• Biological Basis of Heredity: Basic Cell Structures – Provides an explanation of how certain structures within cells permit the transmission of genetic information

Cellular Chemistry:

• Introduction to Cellular Chemistry – Explanation of various chemical processes and how they relate to biological processes on the cellular level
• Water and Organic Molecules – Looks at how various molecules involved in biological processes are built and how it influences their reactions
• Basics of Molecular Biology – Thorough examination of the cellular processes which permit the creation of proteins and passing of genetic information

Biological Anthropology (Evolution):

• Evolution and Natural Selection – Helpful synopsis of Darwinian evolutionary theory
• History of Evolution – A survey of dominant theories concerning evolution
• On the applicability of Darwinian principles to chemical evolution that led to life – Formulation of a theory about the chemical processes which occurred in the formation of cells and organisms

Neuroscience:

• The Human Brain – Explores a range of topics relating to brain function and how it can be affected by diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and other factors
• The Whole Brain Atlas – Uses medical scanning technologies to explore normal brains and examples of different medical conditions
• Computational principles of movement neuroscience – Reviews advances made in the understanding of how the brain controls movement

Pharmacology:

• Pharmacology Principles – Explains the reactions between drugs, ligands and neural receptors which cause physiological changes
• Introduction to Drug Action – Explores different kinds of commonly used medical drugs, human neural receptors’ reaction to drugs, and drugs which impact the central nervous system
• Neuropharmacology: Basic Principles – Introduction to vocabulary used in the discussion of the topic

Physiology:

• Human Physiology – Cell structure and function – Useful definitions of commonly encountered phrases from the subject; site also contains links to additional areas of physiology
• Basic Physiology of Vision – Brief explanation of the process which occurs on the cellular level allowing people to see
• Basic Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology – Short description of how the heart works
• Basic Anatomy and Physiology of Human Body – Sparse and broad overview of human anatomy and physiology
• Muscle Physiology – Explores the processes which cause the muscles to do work

Professional Resources

• Biomedical Engineers – Occupational Employment Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ethics:

• New Directions: The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technology – The first report from the Presidential Commission for Bioethical Issues
• Bioethics Research Library at Georgetown University – Exploration of different topics relating to ethics in the biomedical field from testing to implementation
• Bioethics Resources on the Web – Links covering multiple aspects of the field from the National Institute of Health

Laboratory Design, Safety & Management:

• Principles of Biosafety – List of best practices for ensuring the safety of a functioning biomedical laboratory
• Biomedical Laboratory Design Requirements – Specifications provided by the National Institute of Health
• Laboratory Biosafety Level Criteria – The Center for Disease Control’s classification system, based on personnel, environment, and community protection
• Issues in Biomedical Research Data Management and Analysis: Needs and Barriers – A survey of contemporary biomedical research needs and a projection of what may be needed in the future along with a posit of what may inhibit plans to meet those needs
• A Data Management Framework for Distributed Biomedical Research Environments – Examination of how biomedical researchers use distributed systems as a means of disseminating research and collaborating on projects

Institutions, Societies & Journals:

• AAMI Links: Biomedical Societies – The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation’s links to the biomedical societies of individual states in the USA.
• Scripps Research Institute – A leading institute in basic biomedical research
• Biomedical Engineering Society – Professional society promoting the advancement of the field
• University of Virginia Health Sciences Library – Extensive list of domestic and international journals on biomedical research

Additional Resources:

• Darwinian Medicine – Article which outlines how an understanding of Darwinian evolution principles impacts the field of medicine
• A Basic Primer on Biotechnology – A brief look at how an understanding of biological processes and technology can be combined to cause changes to an organism
• Stem Cell Research and Applications: Monitoring the Frontiers of Biomedical Research – An example of the real-world application of biomedical ethics and practice

Picture Credit: Korbinian Brodmann Neurology Berlin, Wikimedia Commons, Was a bee, 2010