COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Hundreds of researchers are expected next month at Ohio State University for the first-ever comprehensive international conference devoted to two growing disciplines that may revolutionize medicine: micro- and nanotechnology.

About 70 research papers have been scheduled to be presented at BioMEMS and Biomedical Nanotechnology World 2000, led by Mauro Ferrari, Director of the Biomedical Engineering Center, and Associate Director of the Heart and Lung Institute at Ohio State. The conference will run September 23 through 26 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus.

Highlights of research to be presented at the conference include:

• New techniques for building tiny blood vessels in the heart.
• Methods to engineer liver cells for transplant.
• A skin patch containing thousands of microscopic needles that inject medication painlessly.
• Physicians' perspective on the role nanotechnology may one day play in oncology, cardiology, pain management, and cardiothoracic surgery.

During the meeting, Ferrari, who is also a professor of internal medicine, mechanical engineering, and materials science at Ohio State, hopes to establish the first worldwide scientific association dedicated to advancing research in this area.

Ferrari said the time is right for scientists working on all aspects of these tiny medical devices to join together.

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Contact: Mauro Ferrari
Ferrari.5@osu.edu
614-292-4756
Ohio State University
22-Aug-2000