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Medical Applications of Biotechnology
Call for Papers
Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD;
Catherine D. DeAngelis, MD, MPH
JAMA. 2004;291:1003.
Dramatic advances in biotechnology are revolutionizing medical science. Recent discoveries in molecular biology, genomics, cellular and tissue engineering, new drug discovery techniques, and bioimaging hold the promise of improving medical care by enhancing diagnostic capabilities and substantially expanding therapeutic options. Over the past decade, the pace of biotechnological research has markedly accelerated, while the scope of and expenditures for the biotechnology research enterprise have increased substantially.1-2 For example, in 2001, US biotechnology companies involved with human health-related applications spent more than $15 billion on research and development.2
To increase the awareness of physicians, other health care professionals, and clinical researchers about cutting-edge advances and promising recent discoveries in this dynamic and rapidly evolving research area, JAMA will publish a theme issue devoted to medical applications of biotechnology in early 2005.
We invite authors to submit manuscripts on any topic in biotechnology that is relevant to medicine for consideration for publication in this theme issue. High-quality original research papers, especially those reporting novel discoveries that enhance understanding of disease processes or present major therapeutic advances for common disorders, will receive the highest priority. We encourage submission of manuscripts reporting innovative approaches for actual or potential clinical applications of stem cell research, cellular and tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and transplantation techniques. Papers reporting discoveries in biomolecular science, including gene therapy, enzyme engineering, genomics, and proteomics as well as studies documenting clinical applications of new technologies, such as nano-technology, laser scanning microscopy, biosurgery, and biocomputational applications also are welcome. We also invite scholarly articles discussing the opportunities and challenges for translating these novel discoveries into clinical practice, ethical concerns and responsibilities involved in the conduct of biotechnological research, and legal questions and issues related to technology transfer and the commercial aspects of these discoveries.
We look forward to receiving manuscripts on clinical applications of biotechnology for consideration for publication in THE JOURNAL, with the hope of advancing the latest scientific knowledge into improved patient care. Authors are encouraged to consult the JAMA Instructions for Authors3 for guidelines on manuscript preparation and submission. Manuscripts received before October 1, 2004, will have the best chance of consideration and acceptance for the biotechnology theme issue.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
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Corresponding Author: Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, JAMA, 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (phil_fontanarosa{at}jama-archives.org).
Editorials represent the opinions of the authors and THE JOURNAL and not those of the American Medical Association.
Author Affiliations: Dr Fontanarosa is Executive Deputy Editor and Dr DeAngelis is Editor-in-Chief, JAMA.
REFERENCES
1. Moore SW. Will advances in biotechnology usher in a new era of medicine? South Med J. 2003;96:1169-1170.
PUBMED
2. US Department of Commerce. A survey of the use of biotechnology in US industry. October 2003. Available at: http://www.technology.gov/reports/Biotechnology/CD120a_0310.pdf. Accessed February 3, 2004.
3. Instructions for authors. JAMA. 2004;291:125-131.
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