Translational Science in Medicine

Translational science refers to the field of investigation that aims to understand the scientific and operational principles that are the foundation of the translation process. In medicine, translation relates to a process that translates the observations made in the laboratory and clinics into interventions or treatment startegies/methods that can improve the health of individuals and the public. Interventions may be related to diagnostics, therapeutics, medical procedures, and behavioral changes. Broadly, there are four stages in the spectrum of translational science and each stage builds upon the previous stage. The first stage relates to basic research which involves scientific exploration that can reveal the fundamental mechanisms of biology, disease or behavior. The second stage relates to preclinical research, which involves development of medical interventions for a particular disease, which is followed by testing using cell or animal models of disease. The third stage is the clinical research that involves further testing and refinement of new interventions, and safety and effectiveness testing. The aim of this stage is to collect sufficient data that can be used for obtaining regulatory approval for the interventions. The last stage relates to clinical implementation, which involves the implementation of interventions in the routine clinical care. The aim of this book is to present researches that have transformed the field of translational medicine and aided its advancement. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.