This arena of research extends to studies which seek to understand the development of the normal brain and the changes in development which may underlie brain disorders. This research employs animal models, neuroimaging, and clinical studies in an effort to understand many disorders, such as pain, addiction, mental illness, neurodegenerative disease, diseases of the aging brain, such as Alzheimers, and damage to the sensory system to name but a few. New Approaches to Pathogenesis encompasses studies which seek to determine the pathological consequences of disorders of the normal cell cycle and cell death, as well as the mechanisms of cell and tissue injury which occur as a result of infection, metabolic abnormalities, genetic deficiencies or environmental toxins. Bone and connective tissue disease, autoimmune disorders, virus-cell interactions in AIDS, and cardiomyopathy are but a few examples of research that seek to define mechanisms of pathogenesis. Vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases such as HIV, otitis media and herpes are included under this category.
Prevention also involves the behavioral, genetic and environmental aspects of risk assessment.
Also, bionutrition, including the genetic basis of eating disorders and pathological consequences of diet, have become important areas for study in prevention. Genetic Medicine encompasses the analysis of the genome and genes implicated in human disease and development. This research utilizes EST mapping, which involves using expressed sequence tags as chromosomal markers, various methods for sequencing the genome and other technologies. Extensions of these studies include gene therapy initiatives, which incorporate investigations of new target organs and diseases, stem cell biology and vector design. It also includes analysis of complex traits and genetic risk assessment.