There exist various branches of science and technology at present. Science is something that has several meanings, theories, branches, factors, properties, etc. In today’s world, science had evolved to such an extent, its development right from early ages, development in its various branches is meritorious. May it medical field or environmental impact science has evolved in all the aspects, and many more inventions in future are expected which are bound to make human life simpler. Two of such branches of science that this article is going to provide you about are 1. Health science 2. Life science.
Health Science vs Life Science
The main difference between health science and life science is the study that is addressed by both branches. Health science deals with the study of the medical field and treatment, prevention, and cure of diseases occurring to humans and animals. On the other hand, life science deals with the study of the existence of the living organism on the planet of earth.
Health science is one of the most diversified branches of science. It deals with health care, treatment, prevention, and cure of diseases that are prone to occur to humans and animals. The history of health science dates back to the time when Sushruta introduced concepts of diagnosis and prognosis in the medical field in India. Early ages witnessed efforts by several people from countries and places like India, Babylon, China, and Egypt in the field of medicine.
Life science is another diverse branch of science that deals with the study of all the living organisms that exist on earth. The living organisms that are studied in life sciences involve microorganisms(an organism that is not visible to the human eyes), plants, animals, and human beings too. Life science has several branches ahead, which are divided into the study of the type of specified organism. These branches involve zoology, botany, neuroscience, immunology, cytology, ecology, biochemistry, etc.
Comparison Table Between Health Science and Life Science
| Parameters of Comparison | Health Science | Life Science |
| Definition | The branch of science that deals with the study of health care, treatment, prevention, and cure of diseases prone to occur in humans and animals are called Health Science. | The branch of science that deals with studying all the existing living organisms on earth are called Life Science. |
| Initiation | 1930 | 19th century |
| Historical figures | Sushruta, Hippocrates, Elizabeth Blackwell, Joseph Lister, Galen, William Harvey, Ibn Sina, Andreas Vesalius, Charaka, Sigmund Freud, Jean-Martin Charcot, Edward Jenner | Charles Darwin, Thoman Henry Huxley, Louis Pasteur, Alfred Russel Wallace, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, Sir Ian Wilmut, Edward O. Wilson |
| Branches | Cardiology, Urology, Neurology, Anesthesiology, Aetiology, Dentistry, Dietetics, ENT, Epidemiology, Geriatrics, Gynaecology, Haematology, Obstetrics, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Radiology, Virology, Rheumatology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Pulmonology, Psychiatry, Veterinary Medicines, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Hepatology, Nephrology, Angiology, Audiology, Bariatrics, Kinesiology, Splanchnology. | Agriculture, Fisheries, Anatomy, Morphology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Ecology, Entomology, Forestry, Taxonomy, Botany, Zoology, Histology, Embryology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Ethology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Toxicology, Population Biology, Structural Biology. |
| Important Inventions/Discoveries | Cardiac Pacemaker, CT scanner, and MRI, Prosthetics, Cardiac Defibrillator, Artificial heart, Disposable Catheters, Molecular breast imaging, Blood Pressure monitor, Chemotherapy, Aspirin, In vitro fertilization. | Microscope, Penicillin, Antibiotics, Gel Electrophoresis, Hela cell discovery, Structure of DNA, reverse transcriptase, Restriction enzymes, E. Colin transformation, PCR, Bioluminescent markers, Gene therapy. |
What is Health Science?
The branch of science that deals with the study of health care, treatment, prevention, and cure of diseases that are prone to occur in humans and animals are called Health Science. It includes several other branches from the medical field that work on specific diseases or disorders. The history of health science dates back to the early ages when home remedies were used to treat diseases or disorders.
Sushruta and Charaka are two major figures in the medical history of India. Other than that, medical care and efforts were witnessed in Babylon, Egypt as well. The concepts of prognosis and diagnosis were put forth by Sushruta and Charaka.
Various inventions and discoveries have taken place in the field of health science. The evolution of health science is commendable. Effective treatments and cures for infectious diseases were found. Systematic sanitary measures were initiated in the 19th century, and it was a fundamental need as the growth and rapid development in cities was seen.
In the early ages, before all the medical advancements, plants were used for treatment and healing. The use of plants for medicinal purposes is called herbalism. It is also claimed that Neanderthals conducted medical practices as well.
Hippocrates is considered one of the most significant figures in the history of health sciences. Hippocrates is responsible for the thesis clubbed fingers which are also known as Hippocrates’ fingers, and he put forth that they were an important symptom for diseases like lung cancer. Other than him, historical key figures in the history of health science include Galen, Herophilus and Erasistratus, Sigmund Freud, Jean-Martin Charcot, Edward Jenner, etc.
What is Life Science?
The branch of science that deals with the study of all the existing living organisms on earth are called Life Science. The history of life science traces back to the early 19th century. It includes several other branches from the biological fields that work on specific organisms or systems. It includes Agriculture, Fisheries, Anatomy, Morphology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Ecology, Entomology, Forestry, Taxonomy, Botany, Zoology, Histology, Embryology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Ethology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology.
Aristotle is considered the father of biology. Although there are several theories and branches in life science, the four pillars of life science are cell theory, evolutionary theory, gene theory, and the principle of homeostasis. These four branches or discoveries are called the pillars because they are used in every other field of life science. There exist applied life science branches and concepts that are derived with the help of properties of life sciences. Biotechnology, food science, genomics, immunotherapy, optogenetics are some of the major discoveries and fields in life sciences.
Key figures in the field of life science include several microbiologists, zoologists, botanists who have helped and out in tremendous efforts in the exceptional evolution of life science. Some of them are the Noble Prize winners as well. Various technologies that are an admixture of life science and technology are also a reason behind the evolution of life science.
Main Differences Between Health Science and Life Science
- The branch of science that involves the health care of humans and animals is called health science. On the other hand, the branch of science that deals with the study of living organisms are called life science.
- The history of health science was initiated in the year 1930. On the other hand, the history of life science was initiated in the early 19th century.
- Advancements and discoveries in health science include Medical Thermometer, Stethoscope, X-Ray imaging, Hypodermic needles, on the other hand, advancements and discoveries in life science include Radiocarbon dating, Petri dish, Microscopy, Carbon Nanotube, Bioprinting, DNA vaccine, Haber process, Phase contrast microscopy.
- The study of life science involves the origin, evolution, death, species information of an organism. On the other hand, the study of health science involves the sustainability of humans and animals.
- The professionals that study life sciences and its various branches are called microbiologists, botanists, zoologists, etc. on the other hand, the professionals that study health sciences and its various branches are called urologists, cardiologists, gynecologists, neurologists, etc.
Conclusion
Various branches of science have helped human lives become easier and less complicated. It is because of the scientific inventions in various fields like medicines and technology that human lives have become so feasible and effortless.
Various inventions and discoveries are expected in the future in several branches of science and technology. It is because of the advancements that people rely on technology and science and believe in their strengths.
References
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6NHpSprbUx8C&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=health+sciences&ots=7MzgaNVMzp&sig=oQafeAZ8mH6RJ5pvu5hhmMXLnwE
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=LQ8ERFvy-OYC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=life+sciences+encyclopedia&ots=n2MGzOmrrd&sig=6bFHBbKx-CFcwUI37NS_xPqNC3A