Cardiac engineering--deciphering the cardiome.

Abstract

Two monumental phenomena have shaped science and medicine in the last century and practically changed the world we live in. The first relates to the intimate interaction between engineering science and medicine-for example, technology and cardiology. The second relates to the globalization of science, the proliferation of the internet, and the unprecedented international interaction and scientific cooperation in facing difficult multidisciplinary challenges. The beneficial combination of these two megaphenomena, accompanied by significant environmental and sanitary changes, has greatly improved the quality of life and increased longevity around the globe. This conference, and the volume issuing from it, aims to explore the application of new developments in the microworld of cells and genes to gain better insight into the structure and function of the cardiac system, and hence to lead to better therapeutic modalities This multinational gathering of outstanding scientists from the various fields of the cardiac sciences is a living testimonial to human ingenuity and the spirit of international cooperation.