A neurobiologist is a specialist who studies the human nervous system and brain from different angles, using various scientific knowledge - genetics, biochemistry, physics, physiology, mathematics and computer science. Such a professional researches human behavior, helps him cope with diseases and mental disorders. And at the same time, he can engage in basic science, conduct experiments, discover new laws of the brain, or even take part in the development of artificial intelligence.
Нow did this profession come about
You may have heard that the human brain is one of the most complex systems in the universe. In fact, this is the whole universe inside each person. The number of neurons (special nerve cells) in the brain is about 100 billion, and the number of connections between them is trillions! Just think, this is a real miracle - a thought (the work of brain cells invisible to the eye) triggers an action, and sometimes we act consciously (for example, you decided to pour yourself some tea), and sometimes instinctively (for example, you jump away when a danger arises).
Scientists only in the 19th century were able to detect nerve cells and then for a long time argued about what they are made of and how they are arranged. It was possible to identify neurons only with the help of special dyes, which showed these cells against the background of other molecules in the body. And most importantly, scientists realized that the brain emits electromagnetic waves or impulses that are transmitted through the nervous system and make our body follow commands.
In the 20th century, the brain began to be studied at the biomolecular and genetic levels. And with the development of computer technology, people realized that computer science, in fact, relies on the science of the brain, although the principles of operation of the computer and the brain are different. In any case, when it came to creating artificial intelligence at the beginning of this century, engineers needed the help of neuroscientists.
However, until artificial intelligence is created, the brain will remain the only thinking system that tries to explore itself. Hardly any object in the Universe can match the complexity of the human brain.
If you choose this profession, then you will have a long and extremely exciting journey - you will be able to choose from the many areas in which neuroscience is engaged. There are so many of them that we cannot tell you everything, but we will try to cover the main activities of a neuroscientist.
What tasks can a neurobiologist work on?
Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology
These researchers provide colleagues with the latest experimental material. They try to get into the very essence of the brain's activity - after all, no one has yet fully figured out exactly how it works. Molecular neuroscientists are working to study the structure of neurons, observe how they interact, how our nervous and immune systems are connected, and many other interesting questions.
Neurobiology of behavior
As we said above, one of the main mysteries of the brain is the connection between thought and action. Why do we behave this way and not differently in different situations? Why does one person solve the same problem in one way, and another in another? Neuroscientists study the signals that neurons exchange and genetic material to better understand human behavior and how our brains control it.
Systems neurobiology
The brain can be studied not only at the cellular level, but also as one of the body's systems - the most important. Researchers look at the interactions between the brain and the rest of the body - our states, sleep and wakefulness, feelings of pain and pleasure, attention, concentration and relaxation.
Computer neuroscience
It is this direction of neuroscience that is engaged in creating models of artificial intelligence, comparing how a computer works and the human brain, which this computer invented. Most importantly, informatics neuroscientists process the "big data" obtained by neurophysiological researchers and, using IT technologies and visualization, create virtual models of the brain structure and the interaction of neurons.
Neurobiology in neurology and psychiatry
These neuroscientists work closely with doctors and help people with mental disabilities and psychiatric diseases. Experts study the reasons why the brain deviates from normal development, and develop programs for correction and rehabilitation for those who have mental disorders from birth or in the course of life.
Neurolinguistics
One of the main mysteries of mankind is the variety and structure of the languages in which the inhabitants of our planet communicate. Neuroscientists are studying questions about how the development of a particular language is related to thinking, a picture of the world, and climate. How a person understands his own and someone else's language, what brain functions are involved in studying it - and many other fascinating questions.