The Importance of Scientific Research

By Dr. Joseph Maroon, MD FACS

Perhaps the most famous scientist ever, Albert Einstein, was quoted as saying, “If we knew what we were doing it wouldn’t be research.”  Research is the backbone of human knowledge, advancement and is especially important for human quality of life.  In a recent article, BBC Science Focused Magazine, highlighted the huge impact research, and subsequent discoveries, have on our daily health.  They cited the top five scientists who saved the most human lives and included; Norman Borlaug, Maurice Hilleman, Edward Jenner, Alexander Fleming, and Karl Landsteiner collectively saving over a billion lives.

• Norman Borlaug: Developed high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties 

• Maurice Hilleman: Created over 40 vaccines—including life-saving inoculations for measles, mumps, and hepatitis

• Edward Jenner: Pioneered the smallpox vaccine, establishing the principles of immunology and eradicating a disease 

• Alexander Fleming: Discovered penicillin unlocking the era of antibiotics

• Karl Landsteiner: Identified human ABO blood groups allowing blood transfusion to be used safely.  

  
  

Scientific Research Should Remain a Priority

Recently the importance and funding of US scientific research have been targeted for a proposed federal spending reduction of 22% in overall research funding. This push along with general inflation increases has had a dramatic sobering effect on US researchers including those in Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh was reported recently to have had over 100 research projects grants terminated due to $40 million dollars in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding cuts. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has lost over $3 million in canceled NSF grants, resulting in 75 staff layoffs. 

Research Still is Moving Forward

Despite the recent changes in funding, research continues in many important areas.  I currently am affiliated with major projects both here in Pittsburgh and throughout the country. 

• Cryoimmunotherapy in the treatment of cancer combines extreme cold (cryoablation) to freeze and destroy local tumor tissue with immunotherapy drugs. 

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of stroke, traumatic brain injury and enhanced recovery and performance in sports. 

• Use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a non-invasive method to identify a deficiency of glutathione in the brain associate with Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD). 

  
  

Every day, we witness the benefits associated with scientific research whether it’s for healthcare, technology or industry.  Human curiosity and innovation are limitless and will continue to drive humanity forward. Einstein recognized it many years ago – we don’t know everything (yet).