Why Basic Research is Important

With the government looking to cut back spending on research, often we only hear the soundbite.

Things like “We cut $75,000 for a study on the venom of Gila monster lizard.”

Which, on the surface, could beg the question, “What could be the point of that study and that amount of spending?”

Well, here’s a real life example…

Did you know that the animal research study that led to the development of Ozempic involved studying the venom of the Gila monster lizard?

The venom contains a compound similar to a hormone that regulates hunger in humans, leading to the discovery that became the basis for diabetic and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.

We wouldn’t have Ozempic without basic research.

Basic research leads to applied uses, but when we stop funding, we stop exploring. And when we stop exploring, we stop improving.