Molecular epidemiology
Molecular Epidemiology
Molecular epidemiology (/məˈlɛkjʊlər/ /ˌɛpɪˌdiːmiˈɒlədʒi/) is a branch of epidemiology and medical science that focuses on the contribution of potential genetic and environmental risk factors, identified at the molecular level, to the etiology, distribution and prevention of disease within families and across populations. This field has emerged from the amalgamation of molecular biology and traditional epidemiological research.
Etymology
The term "molecular epidemiology" was first used in the late 1970s. The word "molecular" is derived from "molecule", which comes from the Latin "moles" meaning "mass". The term "epidemiology" comes from the Greek words "epi" (upon), "demos" (people), and "logos" (study).
Related Terms
- Molecular Biology: The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) essential to life.
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Genetic Epidemiology: The study of the role of genetic factors in determining health and disease in families and in populations, and the interplay of such genetic factors with environmental factors.
- Environmental Risk Factors: Aspects of the environment that increase the likelihood of developing a particular disease or health condition.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Molecular epidemiology
- Wikipedia's article - Molecular epidemiology
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