How Do Epidemiologists Investigate Disease Mechanisms?
Epidemiologists use a variety of methods to investigate disease mechanisms, including:
Observational studies: These include cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies that help identify associations between exposures and outcomes. Experimental studies: Controlled trials and interventions to test hypotheses about disease mechanisms. Genetic studies: Investigating the role of genetic factors in disease development through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and other techniques. Molecular epidemiology: Combining molecular biology with epidemiological methods to understand the role of biological markers in disease processes. Data analysis: Using statistical methods to analyze epidemiological data and identify patterns and trends.
