Physiomic Approach to Biomechanics -Introductory Remarks-

Over the past years, the field of Biomechanics has been undergoing significant development, evolving in many different ways. The contributions of Biomechanics to the research and practice in medicine and dentistry have been steadily increasing. Recent trend in Biomechanics is highly technological; the nao-biomechanics, high-functional sensor, high-precise and nano/molecular-imaging, DNA technology, among others. At the same time, the Biomechanics related to medical and dentistry treatment including biomechanical?@implants, and regenererative medicine and dentistry is also developing rapidly. Biomechanics is now heading for ?gintegration of Biology, Medicine and Dentistry?h to improve quality of life. The Genome Project, under which the sequencing of the human genomic was declared to be finished around the year 2002, is an immense step forward in understanding of biology. Recently proposed Physiome Project is considered as one of powerful successions to the Genome Project. The word ?gPhysiome?h is coined from ?gphysio?h as life or nature, and ?gome?h as a whole entity. The definition of Physiome is the quantitative description of the physiological dynamics or functions of the hierarchical systems of intact organism, and to apply the knowledge to practical use. Biomechanics will offer potent tools to promote medicine and dentistry through Physiome. In this session, good examples will be presented on vascular and bone biomechanics from the viewpoint of physiome. Physiome Project is a challenging target in Dental Science in the 21st century.