A line of biomedical devices based on aerospace expertise leads a sampling of spinoffs in the field of medicine. These include a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-developed computer program used by the Centers for Disease Control, medical products research, crawling aid, portable medical system, and human tissue stimulator.…

Scientists are designing computer models of biological systems, and of compounds with complex molecules, that can be used to get answers once obtainable only by sacrificing laboratory animals. Although most programs are still under development, some are in use by industrial/pharmaceutical companies. The programs and experiments they simulate are…

Discusses the role and use of microcomputers in scientific research, from monitoring instruments to controlling experimental processes. Included are descriptions of a computer-controlled protein sequencer and gene synthesizer, and microcomputer uses in medicine, physiology, biochemistry, and geology. (JN)