Thanks to scientific advances, individuals with thalassemia--a group of genetic blood disorders which includes Cooley's Anemia -- are now living into their 40's and 50's. Not only are individuals living longer, but their quality of life has increased. Scientific and clinical advancements have resulted in new iron-chelating drugs, early detection of organ failure, an understanding of adult complications associated with living with thalassemia (osteoporosis, heart failure, growth hormone deficiency, pulmonary hypertension, and infertility) and promising progress towards the ultimate magic bullet--a cure in the form of bone marrow and cord blood transplants, or gene therapy. This volume integrates basic science and clinical research so that both scientists and clinicians can develop a mutual understanding of recent progress in thalassemia. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas.