A strong component of synthetic biomaterials research has existed within the department for over a decade. The overall goal of this program is to apply an integrated approach involving innovative computer modeling and organic synthesis, novel biocompatibility evaluation, comprehensive materials characterization, and mechanistic development of improved dental composites. A new thrust that has been added to this program is the establishment of an engineering component for micro and nano characterization of structures and properties of natural biomaterials such as bone, dentin, and enamel. For more information click on Biomaterials/Bioengineering Program below. Recently, a new program has been introduced, that focuses on the biology of mineralized tissue such as bone and teeth. This program is aimed at determining basic biological mechanisms and the cause and treatment of disease of bone and teeth during development and in the adult. Approches include the use of basic in vitro approaches, combined with genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and transgenic technology. For more information click on the Bone Biology Research Program. Plans are being made to translate the findings of the Biomaterials/Bioengineering program and the Mineralized Tissue component with a Clinical Research Program. Clinical research is essential for the verification of results using the invitro and transgenic experiments. For more information click on Clinical Research Program. The identification, characterization and synthesis of materials for clinical use will require the combined efforts and expertise of bioengineers, geneticists, life scientists, chemists, physicists, clinical scientists and computer scientists.