Invited commentary - at the interface: where bioengineers are shaping the future of medicine - biomed 2009

When we look at the significant trends in medicine today, we see bioengineering as a central player in nearly all of them, driving fundamental improvements in both the clinical and economic aspects of healthcare. What an interesting time to be in this dynamic field, as biology becomes more of a quantitative science and the physical sciences increasingly inform the study of living organisms. A relative youngster, bioengineering exists at the interface of the classical disciplines of science - chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics - and in rubbing shoulders with these "old masters" in research labs and R&D departments around the world, it is sparking new ideas that are shaping the future of healthcare. Here are some of the most promising areas we see.