Biomedical Research Reports is introduced at a time of unprecedented advances and public interest in medical research. Our intention is to provide the reader with an in-depth analysis of subjects of interest to the biomedical researcher from the broad perspective of multiple authors, each covering a particular facet of the subject. We intentionally have chosen a broad scope for this new series to maximize flexibility in the range of topics that will be reviewed. We will select, annually at a minimum, subjects that we believe are both timely and challenging. It is particularly appropriate to launch the series with the topic of "Emerging Infections." We are indeed fortunate that Richard M. Krause, M.D., a long-time student and authority on the subject, has agreed to edit our first volume. Dr. Krause has highlighted the leading emerging infectious diseases of this century, and in his characteristically eloquent style has packaged them into an easy to read volume. The introductory chapter by Dr. Krause, and the chapters by Roy M. Anderson, "Analytical Theory of Epidemics," and Julian E. Davies and Vera Webb, "Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria," provide a background for understanding some of the principles of emerging infectious diseases. Influenza, dengue, AIDS, Hantavirus, Ebola virus, streptococcal diseases, Lyme disease, tuberculosis, cholerae, malaria, parasitic infections and slow virus infections were selected by Dr. Krause as examples of infectious diseases that pose enormous scientific and clinical challenges.