Three-dimensional image of chromosomes. |
This week, three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking work impacting research on aging and cancer. Interestingly, their research was not intended to solve these broad issues — but instead addressed a basic science question about DNA replication.
Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak were awarded the prize for their research on telomeres, stretches of DNA at the end of chromosomes that get shorter each time a cell divides. It is an internal clock in the cell counting time. That discovery, as it turned out, had significant implications for research on aging and cancer.
The award is a reminder of the value of basic science, and yet another illustration of why we, as a society, have to be sure to fund it. Many times scientists are pushed to do research that can be quickly applied to a specific problem or disease. The newest catch phrase is “translational research,” research translating scientific information into treatments or cures. Millions of dollars are invested in specific disease research.
But, as this week’s Nobel Prize for Medicine, as well as the 2003 Nobel for the work leading to the MRI, highlights, the importance of basic science on medical research. Sometimes research on fundamental questions in biology or even physics can have ramifications that extend into other areas of science — a reality that should not be ignored amid the current push toward disease-specific research. Sometimes the best and quickest answers to scientific questions come from indirect approaches of inquiry. And sometimes the most important discoveries in treating diseases come from research conducted in other areas of science.
Kirstin Matthews is a fellow in science and technology policy at the Baker Institute. Her research focuses on the intersection between traditional biomedical research and public policy. Matthews’ current projects include the Baker Institute International Stem Cell Policy Program, the Civic Scientist Lecture Series and policy studies in research and development funding, genomics and climate change.