The first of two, this volume comprises a collection of papers devoted to the understanding of thymosins—proteins originally isolated from the thymus and possess a unique array of biological properties. Thymosins in Health and Disease I brings together short reviews organized to explore the basic characteristics of these peptides and their hormone-like properties, recent preliminary evidence for their medicinal utility, and a focus on the alpha and beta thymosin families. In particular, Thymosin ß4 (Tß4) holds considerable promise for the treatment of many conditions and diseases. Of note, contributions to this volume include information on the application of thymosins to stem cell differentiation, neurological and cardiovascular regeneration, as well as accounts of thymosins in relation to basic regulatory and cancer cell functions.  NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For more information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit: http://ordering.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/subs.asp?ref=1749-6632&doi=10.111/(ISSN)1749-6632 ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information on becoming a member.