Government-funded research activities have made important contributions to this result. The private sector has also made significant advances in recent years. The single biggest challenge to humankind will be to take this vast storehouse of information and rapidly develop new products to diagnose and treat human diseases. That process will require continued support for government research. It will also require a suitable environment for the private sector to develop new products, including appropriate intellectual property protection.
Biomedical research continues to pave the way toward better diagnostics, treatments, and cures.
Recent breakthroughs have led to techniques that hold promise for treating Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, and many other debilitating disorders. As new health risks arise, prevention of disease also requires increased attention. The increase will support research in areas such as diabetes, brain disorders, cancer, genetic medicine, disease prevention strategies, and development of an AIDS vaccine. The President and the Vice President remain unwavering in their support for science and technology as crucial investments in our future. These investments enable our nation to compete aggressively in the global marketplace, protect our environment and manage our natural resources in a sustainable manner, safeguard our national security from emerging threats, and spur the technological innovation that has contributed so much to our economic prosperity and quality of life.