Science Of Photomedicine

Although the history of photomedicine dates back thousands of years, with even preliterate cultures appreciating the healing properties of sunlight, for many workers in the discipline photomedicine is associated with the observation about 100 years ago of Niels Finsen, a Danish physician. Finsen recognized that people with tuberculosis who lived in Norway and who had very little exposure to sunlight often developed facial lesions (lupus vulgaris) which would decrease and sometimes disappear during the summer months. This very observant physician reasoned that artificial light ought to produce the same effect as sunlight and began utilizing the radiation from the newly available carbon arc. At first, he used a glass lens to concentrate the radiation, but since this produced considerable burning, he replaced this with a hollow glass lens filled with water. However, while this reduced the heat burns, it did not actually duplicate the effect of direct sunlight. Finally, using a hollow lens filled with water but equipped with quartz windows, Finsen was able to imitate, even improve upon, the effect of sunlight. As a result, lupus vulgaris was practically eliminated from the Scandinavian countries.

Providing the most comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of this exciting biomedical field, Handbook of Photomedicine gathers together a large team of international experts to give you a complete account of the application of light in healthcare and medical science. The book progresses logically from the history and fundamentals of photomedicine to di

This volume contains the Proceedings of a two-week course on "Laser Applications to Biology and Medicine" held from September 4 to 16, 1983 in Erice, Italy. This is the 10th annual course of the International School of Quantum Electronics organized under the auspices of the "E. Majorana" Center for Scientific Culture. ,Among the possible approaches to a course on Laser Applications to Biology and Medicine, the one which emphasizes the scientific and technological aspects of the advanced laser techniques when applied to laboratory and clinical tests has been chosen. In fact, it reflects the new policy of the School to stress the advanced scien tific and technological achievements in the field of Quantum Elec tronics. Accordingly, the Course has given the broadest information on the ultimate performances already achieved and the perspectives of their applications. Because of the great variety of applications of laser in biology, medicine, chemistry, engineering and related branches of science, this school addressed a subject of interdisciplinary interest. The formal sessions have been balanced between tutorial presentations and lectures focusing on unsolved problems and future directions. In addition, wide time has been provided for the par ticipants to meet together informally for additional discussions on the forefront of current work. Therefore the character of the Course was a blend of current research and tutorial reviews.

Janus, the ancient Roman god depicted with two faces is an appropriate metaphor for light therapy. In the right photodynamic therapy conditions, light is able to kill nearly anything that is living such as cancers, microorganisms, parasites, and more. On the opposite face, light of the correct wavelength and proper dose (photobiomodulation) can heal, regenerate, protect, revitalize and restore any kind of dead, damaged, stressed, dying, degenerating cells, tissue, or organ system. This book discusses both sides of Janus' face in regards to light therapy.

Nanoscience has become one of the key growth areas in recent years. It can be integrated into imaging and therapy to increase the potential for novel applications in the field of photomedicine. In the past commercial applications of nanoscience have been limited to materials science research only, however, in recent years nanoparticles are rapidly being incorporated into industrial and consumer products. This is mainly due to the expansion of biomedical related research and the burgeoning field of nanomedicine. Applications of Nanoscience in Photomedicine covers a wide range of nanomaterials including nanoparticles used for drug delivery and other emerging fields such as optofluidics, imaging and SERS diagnostics. Introductory chapters are followed by a section largely concerned with imaging, and finally a section on nanoscience-enabled therapeutics. Covers a comprehensive up-to-date information on nanoscience Focuses on the combination of photomedicine with nanotechnology to enhance the diversity of applications Pioneers in the field have written their respective chapters Opens a plethora of possibilities for developing future nanomedicine Easy to understand and yet intensive coverage chapter by chapter

Photomedicine is one of the most inspiring and interdisciplinary fields in medicine that involves the research and application of photobiology with respect to health and disease. Photomedicine has contributed to the clinical practice of a variety of medical fields, including dermatology, surgery, radiology, diagnostics, cardiology, and anticancer therapy. Furthermore, expansion of its scope and contribution can be expected. This book covers a wide range of aspects and issues related to photomedicine, which brings together researchers from many countries. These include the basic science of photodynamic therapy, clinical applications in various kinds of medical fields, photochemotherapy, laser therapy for musculoskeletal pain, intense pulsed light therapy for photorejuvenation, biological function of low-level laser therapy, and photobiology for skin rejuvenation. Not only will this be beneficial for readers, but it will also contribute to scientists making further breakthroughs in photomedicine.

This volume contains the Proceedings of a two-week NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Laser Systems for Photobiology and Photomedicine", conducted from May 11 to 20, 1990 in Erice, Italy. This is the 15th annual course of the International School of Quantum Electronics (ISQE), organized under the auspices of the "Ettore Majorana" Center for Scientific Culture. The application of lasers to medicine and surgery has made amazing progress since the last ISQE Course on this subject in 1983. The present Proceedings give a tutorial introduction to today's most important areas, as well as a review of current results by leading researchers. Among the possible approaches to a NATO Advanced Study Institute on Laser Systems for Photobiology and Photomedicine, we chose to emphasize the scientific and technological aspects of advanced laser systems when applied to laboratory and clinical tests. Since it is the policy of the School to stress the advanced scientific and techn·ological achievements in the field of Quantum Electronics, the Course broadly covers performance already achieved and potential applications.