Definition of Biomedical Physics

Biomedical Physics is an interdisciplinary scientific branch that consists of the study of different applications of physical-mathematical sciences in the biomedical area.

The current need to obtain quantitative results from biological experiments, to develop technologies used in different methods of diagnosis or therapies, among other things, has required the collaboration of various scientific disciplines and people with an interdisciplinary training that allows their incursion into this type of Projects. Biomedical Physics consists of applications of the physical - mathematical sciences in biomedicine, these applications range from the investigation in basic science in the biomedical area to applied science in topics of medical or health interest.

How are Physics and Biomedicine related?

Although at first Physics and Biomedicine seem to be two very distant one from the other, the truth is that many times the barrier that separates them becomes a so diffuse. Perhaps the first evidence that suggested a relationship between Physics and Biology were the experiments carried out by Luigi Galvani in which he observed that, by passing a

electric current by the spinal cord of a dead frog, the legs of the frog would jerk in a manner similar to how they did when the frog was alive. Today we know that nerve signals are nothing more than electrical impulses that are sent to through the axons of neurons and that muscle contraction is carried out by a constant ion transport through the membranes of muscle fibers.

Due to this relevance that electrical phenomena have in living beings, Physics has contributed to a great extent to the development of techniques that allow the detection of bioelectric signals for the study of biological systems or for the diagnosis of diseases. In this last category, diagnostic techniques such as the Electrocardiogram (ECG) stand out, which consists of detecting the electrical signals of the heart and the Electroencephalogram (EEG) that analyzes the electrical signals of the brain, both methods allow the detection of abnormalities in the electrical signals of the aforementioned organs that may be related to various pathologies or conditions.

The discoveries made by Physics have also had a great impact on the study of Biology. The discovery of X-rays by Röntgen in 1895 allowed the development of X-ray Crystallography, a technique that uses X-rays to discover the atomic structure of certain molecules. This technique was used by Rosalind Franklin, James Watson and Francis Crick to put an end to the great mystery of the structure of the dna and reveal its double helix structure. Also, Physics has played an important role when quantitatively studying the molecular mechanisms that make possible the existence of life and the development of techniques such as atomic force microscope (AFM), optical tweezers and microfluidic systems that facilitate the study of biological systems.

In medicine, some diagnostic techniques such as X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) and Imaging Tomography Optical Coherence (OCT) could not be possible without the understanding of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with the body human. Other diagnostic methods such as Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) They are based on purely quantum phenomena whose understanding allowed them to find application in the field doctor. Also, treatments such as Radiotherapy that consists of the application of large doses of radiation ionizing agent to kill cancer cells in a targeted manner, requires constant monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and the security of the patient. It is important to mention that the development and management of these diagnostic and treatment techniques are the task of another more specialized branch of physics called "Medical Physics".

Currently, one of the branches that is gaining considerable weight in biomedical research is the development of mathematical and computational models of physiological processes. In these models physics and mathematics are used to make numerical abstractions of biological systems, these models can be introduced into a computer to carry out simulations and carry out what is known as “In Silico Studies”. In Silico experiments have been very useful to guide and stimulate other experiments that are are carried out in the biological area and it is expected that in the future they will take a greater role in disciplines such as the Molecular biology, the Pharmacology, among other.

The answers to great enigmas of nature have been obtained thanks to the interaction of different scientific disciplines, and everything seems to indicate that this will continue to be the case in the future.