The role of developmental biology and embryology in the life and medical sciences today is increasing at an unprecedented rate. For example, the first Nobel Prize awarded to an embryologist or developmental biologist was awarded in 1935 to Hans Spemann "for his discovery of the organizer effect in embryonic development"; the second was awarded jointly in 1995 to Edward B. Lewis, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard and Eric F. Wieschaus "for their discoveries concerning the genetic control of early embryonic development"; eight Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 2000 in fields that play roles in developmental biology, the most recent being the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded jointly to Sir John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka "for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent" . Medical schools are opening divisions devoted to applying the principles of developmental biology to combat diseases and repair injuries.
Developmental biology is a burgeoning discipline within biology, as well as being one of its most rapidly expanding intellectual frontiers. A Dictionary of Human Developmental Biology and Embryology is needed in the field today because the terminology relevant to the human aspect of this field has exploded, due to the incredible progress that has been made in the understanding and, in some instances, in the manipulation of human development. Evidence in support of this assertion is the awarding of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology for work done in this field. Additionally, Departments of Regenerative Medicine and Departments of Translational Medicine are springing up at major medical centers around the globe.
Topics covered will range from stem cells (embryonic, adult, and iPSCs, etc.) to teratology. Fundamental terminology in the field of human developmental biology, since the beginning of the field through RNAi, epigenesis, Yamanaka factors, etc. and clinical application of such research, will be the foundation of this book. In addition, the Dictionary will include the major discoveries and significant scientists that comprise the history and current development of the field. The dictionary will provide both the basic background terminology needed by pre-health professions/biology major undergraduate students and early-stage graduate students, as well as being a reference of interest to university professors, researchers and peers in related disciplines.
