They want more information on costs, methods and results of medical research. Sixty-eight percent say the media are not giving enough attention to medical research. Eighty-two percent believe the federal government should support basic science research, even if it brings no immediate benefits. Eighty-eight percent approve of federal government support for scientific research at universities. More than two-thirds of Michigan citizens believe the use of animals in medical research is necessary and 61 percent think gene therapy research should continue.
Basic science is the bedrock of clinical research.
While the applications of basic science are not always immediately apparent, it gives scientists new understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of life that often leads to important advances in medicine. Additional funding for the study was provided by Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health System. Charlton Research Co. The telephone surveys of Michigan residents were conducted in February and March.