Basic Science Research From

RESEARCH ’s Web site at www.jama.com. A site at www.jama.com. Web ’s To find this and previous JAMA Patient find this and previous To Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA was published page on medical research in the July 15, 1998, issue. General Medical Sciences www.nigms.nih.gov 800/366-2873 researchamerica.org www.nsf.gov INFORM YOURSELF FOR MORE INFORMATION • of National Institute • Research!America • National Science Foundation American Association for the Sources: Advancement of Science, Lasker Foundation, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Science Foundation, US Department of Health and Human Services suggests that you consult your JAMA The Journal of the American Medical Association of the American Medical The Journal . The information and recommendations appearing . The information and recommendations JAMA The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For in most instances, but they are appropriate on this page are specific information concerning your personal medical condition, physician. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by physicians and other health care noncommercially physician. This page may be reproduced purchase To is subject to AMA approval. Any other reproduction with patients. to share professionals call 718/946-7424. bulk reprints, is dedicated to basic science and translational research. is dedicated to basic science and translational JAMA April 3, 2002—Vol 287, No. 13 April 3, 2002—Vol ,

JAMA PATIENT PAGE JAMA PATIENT asic science research is the investigation of a subject to increase is the investigation of a subject to increase asic science research about it. The information gathered knowledge and understanding “translating” or applying is essential for basic science research from

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In medicine, basic science research aims to better understand certain diseases. Understanding the changes in cells and aims In medicine, basic science research The April 3, 2002, issue of HOW IS RESEARCH FUNDED? hearing aids or artificial limbs) treatment and save lives treatment may be useful for disease prevention or early treatment may be useful for disease prevention

VALUE OF BASIC SCIENCE RESEARCH VALUE Basic Science Research Basic Science molecules associated with illnesses provides the knowledge that helps eventually find new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent treat, the knowledge that helps eventually find new ways to diagnose, molecules associated with illnesses provides for the other hand, usually involves testing medications and other treatments on a variety of ailments. Clinical research, specific illnesses and conditions. new discoveries to patient care. For example, scientists might study For example, care. new discoveries to patient in a certain types of cancer cells to observe how they multiply and grow used involving animals, often are models, such as studies lab. Other research results not necessarily produce does to gain such knowledge. Basic research but the knowledge gained often for medical care, immediately relevant that are involved in new discoveries. in the various steps is essential for progress B 1754 Continuous, well-funded basic science research is the key to new discoveries in medicine Continuous, well-funded basic science research and other scientific fields. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health is the main Other federal federal agency that distributes taxpayers’ money to universities for research. Private companies, agencies, such as the National Science Foundation, also fund research. amount of funding an increasing and voluntary health agencies are philanthropies, to fund their work. these sources compete for grants from Researchers research. • Information for the development of medical devices that improve quality of life (such as quality of life (such devices that improve • Information for the development of medical • Information leading to new drug treatments that cure illnesses or reduce symptoms illnesses or reduce that cure • Information leading to new drug treatments that improve tools and procedures • New findings that lead to advances in surgical Basic science research can help in a number of ways. It can provide can help in a number Basic science research disease risk, which factors that increase • Information about genetic and environmental Lise M. Stevens, MA, Writer MA, Illustrator Cassio Lynm, M. Glass, MD, Editor Richard Downloaded From: https://jamanetwork.com/ on 10/01/2021