THE region's first nano-medicine conference will start next week.

The two-day event in Newcastle will bring together more than 70 specialists in healthcare and small-scale technology.

Whether it is miniaturised cameras in surgery or nano-scale tissue engineering or smart drug treatment, the scope for using small-scale technologies in medicine is endless.

But despite the potential, the levels of micro and nano-technologies in patient treatment and care are still low.

The conference, which will take place at Newcastle University on July 6 and 7, will bring together experts to discuss ideas and applications.

Keith Morris, a spokesman for conference co-host The Centre of Excellence for Life Science, said: "In the past, research communities had a tendency to work in isolation, which meant that it took a very long time for practical applications to be identified and take effect.

"The conference is part of our attempts to foster better communication at all stages of the development cycle, whether it is amongst researchers, businesses or even investors, so that when crossover opportunities are identified, it takes less time to get them adopted and employed in medical treatments."

David Robbins, of co-host The Centre of Excellence for Nanotechnology, Micro and Photonic Systems, said: "The North-East is already a recognised centre for leading clinical research, but it is also rapidly emerging as an important hub for small-scale and emerging technology."