The Life Science of Brain Research

“What a remarkably fragile structure to support such a valuable payload.” When Sheldon Cooper from the popular sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, says these words, it really makes us question the human structure. But, of course, the payload he refers to here is none other than the mysterious brain.

Understanding the Brain – A brief history

With 100 trillion connections, the neural network in our brain is in constant communication. The brain’s development is at its peak during early childhood. Therefore, the neural connections that happen during that time are also far more than an adult. This three-pound organ has remained an object of mystery for many centuries to scientists and philosophers. The advancement in technology has forced the brain to finally relinquish its secrets. We now have learned more about the brain in the past ten years than we have in the previous centuries.?

The question of why – Brain Research Necessity

The first suggestion that the brain could be more than a radiator that keeps the heart alive came in 170BC when the Roman physician Galen suggested the brain could be the source of memory and thoughts due to the fluid-filled ventricles. However, it wasn't until the 16th century that the Belgian Anatomist Andreas Vesalius contracted this with a detailed drawing of the nervous system.?

One of the important discoveries about the brain came through the gruesome incident of the railroad worker Phineas Gage had an iron rod strike his head and survived in 1848. The fact that his personality changed suggested that the brain had regions and each region held the responsibility toward certain functions. The microscopes were the path-defining invention for all scientific research. Anatomists took to it and started exploring small parts of the brain. The discovery that won the 1906 Nobel prize for Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Camillo Golgi was non-other than the nerve cells, aka neurons. Thus began a new range study called neuroscience. Rapid advances of technology post-1960 there were strides created in neurosciences. Collaboration from fields such as physics and genetics enabled scientists to understand the brain a little better.

As the brain is a vital organ in our body, its study enables a basic understanding of biology, the mind and body functions. The command center needs to be understood to its roots to be able to prevent or treat problems that originate in the brain.

The Animal Brain similarity and its Impact

It has been assumed that using animals for brain research is somewhat paradoxical; after all, it is the unique nature of the human brain to develop behavior that distinguishes us from them. However, an interesting fact to know here is our brain's basic structure and functions are common to all animals. For example, complex thoughts that our human brains perceive are all developed from the simple mental process that is evident in animals as well.?

No stimulation can be developed artificially at this stage that can mimic a reaction of a particular cause on the human brain. Animal brain research has already made great strides in improving human health and wellbeing. Especially when we look at drug development, there is no other way to understand the behavioral effects of a particular drug on a living being without a preliminary trial on animals.?

The animals used for these trials and research are specially bred for this purpose. Therefore, they need to be given constant care and kept in a clean environment. Our partner Allentown primarily specializes in providing high-standard vivarium solutions for research studies. This not only includes housing but also solutions like washers and contamination control systems. A one size fits all washing approach will not be conducive for a life science laboratory. To prevent damage and attend to varying hygiene requirements of the animal housing, specialized equipment needs to be available for scientists and researchers. Allentown provides a range of these washers and is a pinnacle of usability and variety.

The cabinet washers are mainly used for various sizes of animal housing, bottles, and miscellaneous items. They are eco-friendly in nature and have the lowest carbon footprint as well. Another option is the rack washer which is mainly designed to wash all size of cages, large animal housing as well as various equipment used in an animal facility. Allentown rack washer is known for its perfect blend of functionality and ease of use. Specifically designed to clean laboratory glassware, Allentown offers Glassware washers that are compact and easy to use, along with an energy-efficient option that is designed to minimize water and energy consumption.?

The brain's vast complexity remains a considerable challenge for researchers to uncover its secrets. But with the technological and digital revolution afoot, these are exciting times that can deliver pathbreaking discoveries in the world of neuroscience. Comprehensive solutions are required to ensure the maximum quality of research. Leader Life Sciences with a range of partners serving various purposes of research is the best equipped for the community’s needs. Contact us at https://leaderlifesciences.com/contact-us/ to learn more.