Biomedical electronics: potentialities and problems

The present annual expenditure in the biomedical sciences, now less than 2 percent of the funds appropriated for defense, must be significantly increased if the great gain that can result from the adequate application of electronic technology in biomedical science is to be realized. Such use of electronics in biomedical science holds promise of tremendous advances in the study of the origins of the life processes; it may result in spectacular advances in medical science, which could have a definite effect on individual health and longevity; it might pave the way for the discovery and development of whole new technologies based on intimate knowledge of biological processes. Great strides can be made in surmounting the major obstacles by combating apathy, through making the public and the industrial community aware of the potentialities of modern biomedical research, and by giving scientists adequate cross-disciplinary training and using the abilities of those so trained (1).