Pharmacology
Over time, pharmacology has developed. First established as a field of study dedicated to describing the obvious effects of bioactive chemicals, modern pharmacology has shifted its focus to investigating the molecular processes by which medications produce their biological effects. Pharmacology, in its broadest meaning, is the study of the effects of chemical substances on living organisms. To this end, researchers examine not just where drugs come from but also their chemical make-up, effects on the body and mind, methods of action, how the body transforms them, and their medicinal and recreational applications. The goals of pharmacological research range from identifying how chemical agents affect subcellular, systemic, physiological, and behavioral processes to addressing the risks associated with pesticides and herbicides. Given its cross-disciplinary nature, pharmacology has been called a "bridge science," connecting the fields of physiology, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology. To create effective medicines, pharmacologists can "interpret" this type of information. Pharmacologists have specialized education and expertise in various fields, giving them a distinct viewpoint on issues involving pharmaceuticals, hormones, and chemicals.