Book excerpt: Although infrared spectroscopy has been applied with success to the study of important biological and biomedical processes for many years, key advances in this vibrant technique have led to its increasing use, ranging from characterisation of individual macromolecules (DNA, RNA, lipids, proteins) to human tissues, cells and their components. Infrared spectroscopy thus has a significant role to play in the analysis of the vast number of genes and proteins being identified by the various genomic sequencing projects. Whilst this book gives an overview of the field it highlights more recent developments, such as the use of bright synchrotron radiation for recording infrared spectra, the development of two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and the ability to record infrared spectra at ultrafast speeds. The main focus is on the mid-infrared region, since the great majority of studies are carried out in this region but there is increasing use of the near infrared for biomedical applications and a chapter is devoted to this part of the spectrum. Major advances in theoretical analysis have also enabled better interpretation of the infrared spectra of biological molecules and these are covered. The editors, Professor Andreas Barth of Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden and Dr Parvez I. Haris of De Montfort University, Leicester, U.K., who both have extensive research experience in biological infrared spectroscopy per se and in its use in the solution of biophysical problems, have felt it timely therefore to bring together this book. The book is intended for use both by research scientists already active in the use of biological infrared spectroscopy and for those coming new to the technique. Graduate students will also find it useful as an introduction to the technique.