Springer What is Medicine?: Basic Principles of Physics in Medicine and Beyond

This book looks into the world of medicine through a unique lens - the principles of physics. Beginning with a brief history of medical physics and Feynman's classification of natural phenomena, it delves into topics such as the electrical activity of cells, and the physical basis of synaptic transmission, using nonlinear models that reveal their behavior as a strange attractor. Using a synergetic analogy between similar processes occurring in physical and neurophysiological systems, the author is able to formulate the first principle describing the emergence of hexagonal grid cells structures in the brain. It also explores the use of thermal imaging in the diagnosis, the dosimetry of ionizing radiation, and the physical basis of effective methods of quantum mechanics in modern medicine. Through detailed discussion of topics including synergetics, physiology, neurology, and radiation medicine, the reader gains a deep understanding of the physics behind medical diagnostics and treatments. Each chapter is devoted to exploring one of the directions of theoretical or clinical medicine, featuring parts written on different popular and rigorous physical levels. Providing a comprehensive overview of the physical principles of medicine and how they relate to medical equipment and technology, this book is a bridge between the fields of medicine and physics, demonstrating how the two can work together to advance the science of healthcare. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of medicine and physics and the possibilities for future innovation.