Michael R. King, associate professor of biomedical engineering, is editor-in-chief of the first scientific journal focused on nanotubes, nanorods and nanowires applied to medicine and biology.

The online, peer-reviewed journal Nanotube Therapy launched in March through the open-access publisher Versita. The journal publishes papers on the chemistry, biology and engineering involved in the application of nanotube technology for the improvement of human health. Material properties, novel devices and clinical studies are all within the scope of the journal.

Manuscripts using nanotubes for targeted drug delivery, biomaterials, imaging contrast agents and point-of-care diagnostic assays are encouraged. Of particular interest is research of a pre-clinical or translational nature that will have a clear impact on the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

"I think it is the right time to establish a new journal with this emphasis. Note, for instance, our recent research showing that nanotubes can be used to easily isolate circulating tumor cells from patient blood samples," King said. "We are working with an experienced publishing team that has laid out a detailed timeline for achieving indexing of articles in important databases such as PubMed and ISI Web of Science."

King also noted that Versita has committed to waiving author-publishing charges for the first two years to ensure the success of Nanotube Therapy as an open access journal.

The journal's advisory board is composed of experts in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine from around the world.