Science is a never-ending story. The solution of one mystery is the seed of many others. Research in one area may also provide answers to questions in other, seemingly unrelated areas. The anticancer drug cisplatin unexpectedly grew out of studies on the effect of electrical fields on bacteria. Freeze-drying was developed originally by researchers as a way to concentrate and preserve biological samples. And a laboratory technique called the polymerase chain reaction became the basis of "DNA fingerprinting" techniques that have revolutionized criminal forensics.

Similarly, it is impossible to predict the eventual impact and applications of the basic biomedical research that NIGMS supports. But one thing is certain: These studies will continue to supply missing pieces in our understanding of human health and will lay the foundation for advances in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

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Under provisions of applicable public laws enacted by Congress since 1964, no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity (or, on the basis of sex, with respect to any education program or activity) receiving Federal financial assistance. In addition, Executive Order 11141 prohibits discrimination on the basis of age by contractors and subcontractors in the performance of Federal contracts, and Executive Order 11246 states that no federally funded contractor may discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Therefore, the programs of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences must be operated in compliance with these laws and Executive Orders.

Accessibility
This publication can be made available in formats that are more accessible to people with disabilities. To request this material in a different format, contact the NIGMS Office of Communications and Public Liaison at 301-496-7301, TDD 301-402-6327, or write to the office at the following address :

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Online Version and Additional Copies
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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of General Medical Sciences

NIH Publication No. 02-4934
May 2002
http://www.nigms.nih.gov