Biology research covers the study of the origin, development, evolution, anatomy and physiology of all living organisms and their environment. This includes plants, animals, human beings, and the environment. If this is a field you’re interested in, you’ll find a vast array of biology research topics that you can choose from. The biggest challenge? Identifying just one from amongst the many fascinating choices.
If you’re researching biology research topics, the list below should help. It includes some of the most interesting biology research topics today.
1. Epidemiology
Epidemiology focuses on the manner in which diseases spread in various populations. Epidemiologists spend years studying dangerous infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV/AIDs, and Norovirus among others. They focus their study on the origin, mode of infection and how the disease spreads. This helps to find a cure for that disease. The recent coronavirus outbreak has resulted in a renewed interest in epidemiology. With ongoing worldwide efforts to find ways to prevent the spread of the virus and formulate an effective vaccine, this biology research topic has jumped to the top of the list.
2. CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat. This refers to a laboratory process of editing DNA sequences in various organisms including human beings. Scientists are exploring the tremendous potential of CRISPR to cure genetic diseases, increase resistance to dangerous viruses, and other medical applications. This is one of the most fascinating biology research topics for anyone interested in the life-changing clinical applications of CRISPR.
3. Climate Change
Flickr user Berkeley Lab
There’s no denying that climate change is one of the most pressing issues we’re facing today. There’s an urgent need for research into finding practical solutions. Practical solutions that if implemented reverse the devastating effects of climate change. If you’re an environmental enthusiast concerned about climate change, this may be a great biology research topic for you. Climate change has global consequences that are likely to continue past our lifetime. Environmental specialists are in great demand worldwide with no slowdown in demand in the foreseeable future.
4. Astrobiology
Interested in life beyond planet Earth? Consider astrobiology as your biology research topic. This field covers some intriguing topics that covers various aspects of life outside of Earth’s orbit. You could research the possibility of growing plants in space and the potential for living on another planet. Or you could study the effects of gravity on astronauts’ bones and overall health. If your area of interest lies in extraterrestrial life forms, you could focus your research on what those life forms may survive or reproduce.
5. The Biology of Cancer
Scientists have spent several years doing extensive research on the causes, progression, and treatment for cancer. Although we’ve made huge strides in our understanding of this killer disease, we still have a long way to go. Today, scientists agree that cancer is not a single disease as we once thought. Instead it is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases that have a few characteristics that are similar and a few that are different. This complicates the treatment and more understanding is required before cancer can be successfully conquered. Contributing to this global effort to conquer cancer can be immensely satisfying.
6. Epigenetics
A fascinating field related to genetics is Epigenetics. Epigenetics researchers study how genes are inherited and whether they’re switched on and active or switched off and inactive. The biggest mystery for researchers in this field is why some genes are switched off although they are present in the DNA. As relatively new field of biology, there’s a lot still left to be discovered about genes and their effect on future generations.
7. Recovery of Endangered Species
Every year we hear about some well-known and much-loved species on the brink of extinction or already extinct. Wildlife enthusiasts are actually keeping track of the number of tigers, caribou, pandas and other endangered species. An increase in numbers is celebrated with much fanfare. But besides the ones we hear about, there are several other smaller organisms that are disappearing too. This report by Yale Environment360 estimates an extinction rate of 8,700 species a year or about 24 every single day. These small, little-known organisms play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Research into endangered species recovery requires you to have a love of the environment as well as an adventurous spirit. This is a great research topic for anyone excited at the thought of working in remote forests and other challenging environments.
How To Choose the Best Biology Research Topic for You
The biology research topics listed above are among the scientific research areas in great demand today. But they’re not the only ones. There are several other topics that you can choose from, all of them just as important and interesting. When choose the best area of research for you, consider your areas of interest as well as your strengths and weaknesses. You don’t want to do research on corals or marine biology if you’re afraid of the water.
When choosing a topic, look for something that’s not too general but not too narrow either. You want to pick a topic that allows you to conduct in-depth research without getting overwhelmed. Spending time reading research journals is the only way to explore the various biology research topics that you can choose from and to open your mind to new ideas.
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