Why We Need Biomedical Research

Biomedical research is the broad area of science that looks for ways to prevent and treat diseases that cause illness and death in people and in animals. This general field of research includes many areas of both the life and physical sciences. Utilizing biotechnology techniques, biomedical researchers study biological processes and diseases with the ultimate goal of developing effective treatments and cures. Biomedical research is an evolutionary process requiring careful experimentation by many scientists, including biologists and chemists. Discovery of new medicines and therapies requires careful scientific experimentation, development, and evaluation. -New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research.

Every person in the United States has benefited from the results of biomedical research. From the development of new drugs, vaccines, or procedures to prevent or treat diseases; to the safety testing of products we use every day of our lives; scientists strive to better understand the causes and treatments of disease. Through the similarities between humans and laboratory animals, we have learned much about our bodies and how they work. We continue to learn more and are now able to apply that knowledge not only to humans, but to our pets, wildlife, and other animals.

Due to medical research, life expectancy in the United States has improved dramatically, from an average of 49 years in 1900 to 69.3 years in 2004 (World Health Organization). By 2030, projections suggest one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and the number of people aged 85 and older—currently the fastest growing segment of the older population—could exceed 10 million (National Institute on Aging). The increase in the number of older Americans is mostly due medical advances that have been based on animal research.