Scientists recently estimated that there are over 73,000 tree species on Earth, with more than 9,000 of them undiscovered. Trees remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, playing an important role in reducing global warming. These tree researchers' work is part of a larger field known as the life sciences.

Research like that on tree species helps us understand life and how we can improve it. Areas like epidemiology and pharmaceuticals that have been very important during the COVID pandemic fall into the larger life science category. 

So what are the life sciences? Read on to learn the life science definition and the life sciences industry. 

What Are the Life Sciences? 

Life science is the study of living organisms. Life scientists study everything from viruses and single-celled organisms to plants and animals. Through their studies, they develop an understanding of the processes that keep each organism alive. 

Types of Life Science

With life coming in all shapes and sizes, life science can be broken down into just as many different areas of study. Many life scientists focus on specific life processes or groups of organisms. Some fields of life science include: 

• Zoology
• Botany
• Genetics
• Physiology 
• Microbiology
• Paleontology
• Marine Biology

In addition to these fields, some fields study the relationship between life and technology. Pharmacology, biotechnology, medical devices, and GMOs all fall into the umbrella of life science. Scientists that work in these fields aim to develop new technology to improve the lives of organisms. 

Life Science Careers 

Since there are so many areas of study, there are just as many career paths in life science. There are many ways to get into the life sciences, from scientist to a field researcher to working in a life science museum. Everyone can find an area of the life sciences that they find fascinating. 

Even if you don't wish to pursue a career in life science, it is a beneficial topic to learn about. Through life science, you can understand how life in your backyard interacts, how your body fights off diseases, and what you need to get your plants to grow better. 

Life Science Research 

Life science research is crucial because it addresses questions about our world and helps us find solutions to real-world problems. Scientists can spend years studying a specific to understand their research topic. But before a scientist's development can be used, it must be verified. 

Research must be reviewed by other scientists or an organization like the International Life Sciences Institute. Institutions and journals have guidelines to vet research before it becomes fact. This process ensures their research is accurate, credible, and trustworthy to apply to the scientific community and real-world scenarios. 

The Importance of Life Science 

What are the life sciences is a complicated question because it encompasses such a wide field of study. Life scientists study life in all shapes and forms, from cells to blue whales. Their research can lead to new developments that improve the lives of the organisms they study.

Do you want to learn more about the life science field? Check out our website for more articles like this one.