Former professional athlete Bo Jackson had two hip and knee problems, but kept playing due to biomedical engineering.
To many, however, the subject of biomedical engineering can raise eyebrows and cause a few to scratch their heads.
"It's the application of engineering principles to problems in medicine to improve human health," said Dr. Joel Bumgardner, associate professor in the department of biomedical engineering.
Some of the jobs biomedical engineers do include building artificial organs, limbs, knees and hips to replace the lost function of specific body parts.
Bumgardner said that it has helped with the early detection of life threatening conditions, such as breast and colon cancer, as well as osteoporosis.
The University's department of biomedical engineering has also taken its steps into the field.
Research has been ongoing for 15 years and has been jointed with The University of Tennessee, according to Dr. Eugene Eckstein, chair of the biomedical engineering department.
"Several doctors have won awards and have conducted research," Eckstein said.
One of those doctors is Dr. Herb Zeman from UT, who in the past has worked with The University's department of biomedical engineering.Zeman designed an image enhancement beam that enhanced the contrast of certain veins during blood collection and ivy injection.
"The project started about eight and a half years ago," Zeman said.Zeman said the project was originally meant to aid the visually impaired. However, to test the infrared beam Zeman used his arm and found that it made it easier to see his veins.
There are currently three built prototypes, but Zeman hopes to manufacture a couple hundred by the end of the year.
The department has also largely focused on biomaterials, biosensors, electro-physiology and biomechanics, Bumgardner said.
"Biomaterials is used to make hip implants," Bumgardner said. "Biosensors are used to detect changes in molecules and compounds in a particular diseased state."
Bumgardner said biomechanics deal with natural movement and how the bones and tissues are loaded.
Electro-physiology involves making pacemakers and checking the heart to make sure it is following natural pace, Bumgardner said.
The department has also taken steps forward academically.
"Students from here have gone on to dental school while others have gone on to government regularities and faculties on other campuses," Bumgardner said.
The department is currently negotiating with the Tennessee Board of Regions to allow an undergraduate program, since it is limited to graduate students.
"They're trying to have an undergraduate program to complement the other engineering fields," Eckstein said.
The U of M and UT partnership has also allowed biomedical engineering students to graduate with a degree from both universities at the same time.
Sophomore biochemistry major Richard Lee said, "It makes the healing process a lot more endurable. Where would people be without this science?"
