Washington, DC One of todays hottest areas of scientific research is nanomedicine. Scientists currently are working to create novel nanostructures that can serve as new kinds of drugs for treating cancer, Parkinsons, and cardiovascular disease. They also are seeking ways to engineer nanomaterials for use as artificial tissues that could replace diseased kidneys and livers, and even repair nerve damage.

In addition, although the research is still exploratory, scientists are beginning to build nanostructures that mimic complex biomolecules. Some of these engineered structures appear to have regenerative powers that could potentially lead to therapies for conditions such as Alzheimers, nerve injury and brain damage from stroke.

Dr. Andrew Maynard, chief science advisor for the Wilson Centers Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, and Dr. Mauro Ferrari, chairman, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, have been invited to discuss nanotechnology and nanomedicine before a meeting of the Presidents Council on Bioethics. At a special session on nanotechnology to be held on Friday, June 29th, beginning at 8:30 a.m., they will present the exciting possibilities that these technologies present, as well as potenial risks and ethical implications.

Who: Dr. Andrew D. Maynard, Chief Science Advisor, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Dr. Mauro Ferrari, Chairman, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

What: Presidents Council on Bioethics Meeting, session on nanotechnology

When: Friday, June 29, 2007, 8:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m

Where: Hay-Adams Hotel, 16th & H Streets NW, Washington DC