R. MARKS Biology has become a 'numbers game'. The advantages of being able to grade changes in tissue, submit results to statistical analysis and accurately record biological phenomena make measurement essential. This is as true for the various disciplines in applied biology as it is for the more esoteric aspects ofthe subject. Regrettably, sk in biologists until recently had not seized the opportunities that the availability of their tissue of interest afforded and fell behind in the exploration of measurement techniques. Probably this resulted in part from the mistaken sentiment that 'to see is to know'. It also originated from the complexity ofthe skin which. as a closely interwoven mixture oftissue types. makes assessments technically difficult. However, we are optimistic about the future. The International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin was formed in Cardiff in ] uly 1979 in response to the wishes of the delegates who had attended the first International Symposium on the subject in Miami in 1976 and the second in Cardiff 3 years later. This volume is the proceedings of the Cardiff meeting. We believe that it demonstrates the brave efforts and variety of new ideas that characterise the studies of scientists who realise the importance of blending the phYSICal sciences with skin biology.

Bioengineering of the skin, or more precisely the biophysical assessment of skin physiology, is moving rapidly from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes. This second edition of the popular text Bioengineering of the Skin: Water and Stratum Corneum reflects the progress in the field, focusing on t

This book focuses on the objective measurement of two major parameters of skin function: blood flow and erythema.

Spanning the many advancements that have taken place in the field since the First Edition of this book was published, this Second Edition emphasizes the imaging of the skin in its entirety, rather than focusing solely on surface layers. The Second Edition includes new chapters on technologies such as in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy, Rama

Through continuous research and development of modern instrumentation, it is now possible to visualize minute structures of the skin surface not visible to the human eye. Bioengineering of the Skin: Skin Surface Imaging and Analysis, written by an internationally based group of scientists, addresses engineering techniques for visualizing and analyzing skin surface images and profiles. This skin bioengineering reference offers comprehensive information about the technology of instruments in this field and the art of applying them in experimental studies. It explains what the instruments measure and why and when they should be used in skin research and product testing.

Since skin forms the interface between the human body and the environment, its mechanical properties are important in health and disease. Bioengineering of the Skin: Skin Biomechanics gives a thorough introduction in the biological basis of skin biomechanics. It explains the non-invasive methods that allow measurement of the mechanical properties of the skin focusing on commercially available instruments. Written by internationally leading experts in the field of non-invasive measurement technology of the skin, this volume describes the anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and pathology of skin biomechanics. It explains in detail how to measure skin mechanic properties and how to use these measurements in the development of drugs and cosmetics.

The skin is the largest human organ system. Loss of skin integrity due to injury or illness results in a substantial physiologic imbalance and ultimately in severe disability or death. From burn victims to surgical scars and plastic surgery, the therapies resulting from skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are important to a broad spectrum of patients. Skin Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine provides a translational link for biomedical researchers across fields to understand the inter-disciplinary approaches which expanded available therapies for patients and additional research collaboration. This work expands on the primary literature on the state of the art of cell therapies and biomaterials to review the most widely used surgical therapies for the specific clinical scenarios. - Explores cellular and molecular processes of wound healing, scar formation, and dermal repair - Includes examples of animal models for wound healing and translation to the clinical world - Presents the current state of, and clinical opportunities for, extracellular matrices, natural biomaterials, synthetic biomaterials, biologic skin substitutes, and adult and fetal stem and skin cells for skin regenerative therapies and wound management - Discusses new innovative approaches for wound healing including skin bioprinting and directed cellular therapies