Faith in Technology Drives Biomedical Research and Medical Care

A societys perceptions of health and disease are influenced by such cultural factors as values, attitudes and beliefs. These norms also act together to affect the type of medicine practiced in the society.

ARLINGTON, VA -- October 13, 2002 -- A societys perceptions of health and disease are influenced by such cultural factors as values, attitudes and beliefs. These norms also act together to affect the type of medicine practiced in the society. Given this phenomenon, members of The Science Advisory Board were interested in exploring which Western cultural belief most strongly influences how we conduct biomedical research and medical care. The majority of the 418 respondents to a member-sponsored survey subscribe to the belief that the human condition can be improved through technology. This emphasis on achieving a better state is due in part to the prevailing tenet that physical health is necessary for happiness, which 25% of respondents also espoused.

The biomedical community strongly embraces the conviction that we will succeed in precisely controlling nature through technology," explains Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of Scientific & Medical Communications at The Science Advisory Board. By being able to understand and control natural biological processes, the twin objectives of enhancing health and preventing illness are perceived as attainable. Interestingly, most Science Advisory Board members do not subscribe to what might be thought of as a complementary goal: preventing mortality. In fact, only 11% of the survey respondents think that life should be prolonged through medical interventions.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 13,000 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. The Science Advisory Board is currently conducting ongoing studies in other exciting areas of the life sciences. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research and consulting firm located in Arlington, VA.

CONTACT:
Dr. Tamara Zemlo
Director, Scientific & Medical Communications
The Science Advisory Board
2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1200
Arlington, VA 22201
703.525.3872 x360 phone
t.zemlo@scienceboard.net
http://www.scienceboard.net