HealthJuly 4, 2026
neuroscience
/ˌnjʊəroʊˈsaɪəns/
Definition
The scientific study of the nervous system, particularly as it relates to understanding the biological foundations of mental health conditions like depression.
Etymology
The word combines the Greek 'neuron' (nerve) with the Latin-derived 'scientia' (knowledge). It emerged in the 20th century to describe the interdisciplinary study of the brain and nervous system.
In the news
The term is used here to identify the professional field of an expert discussing how a diagnosis of clinical depression should be viewed as a legitimate medical illness rather than a character flaw.
Kean’s depression disclosure prompts questions about mental health stigma
Read the full article ↗The Hill