Basic research
Research carried out in the laboratory using cells from humans or animals.

Biomedicine
The application of the principles of natural science, such as biology and chemistry, to clinical medicine.

Bioscience
Any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms.

Biotechnology
The industrial use of living organisms (or parts of living organisms) to produce foods, drugs, or other products.

Clinical research
Patient-oriented research designed to find improved treatments and preventions for diseases.

Clinical trials
Organized studies that test the value of various treatments, such as drugs or surgery, in human beings.

Phase I clinical trials test a new biomedical intervention in a small group of people (e.g., 20-80) for the first time to evaluate safety (e.g., to determine a safe dosage range and to identify side effects).

Phase II clinical trials study the biomedical or behavioral intervention in a larger group of people (several hundred) to determine efficacy and to further evaluate its safety.

Phase III clinical trials investigate the efficacy of the biomedical or behavioral intervention in large groups of human subjects by comparing the intervention to other standard or experimental interventions as well as to monitor adverse effects, and to collect information that will allow the intervention to be used safely.

Phase IV studies are conducted after the intervention has been marketed. These studies are designed to monitor effectiveness of the approved intervention in the general population and to collect information about any adverse effects associated with widespread use.

Commercialization
Sequence of actions necessary to achieve market entry and competitiveness of innovative technologies, processes and products.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
The double-stranded, helical molecular chain found within the nucleus of each cell. DNA carries the genetic information that encodes proteins and enables cells to reproduce and perform their functions.

Genetic engineering
The deliberate, controlled manipulation of the genes in an organism with the intent of making that organism better in some way.

Genetic screening
The scientific procedure of examining genetic makeup to determine if an individual possesses genetic traits that indicate a tendency toward acquiring or carrying certain diseases.

Human genome
All of the DNA a person possesses.

Life science
Any of several branches of science, such as biology, medicine, anthropology, or ecology, that deal with living organisms and their organization, life processes, and relationships to each other and their environment.

Personalized medicine
Matching the right drug to the right patient and, in some cases, even to design the appropriate treatment for a patient according to the genetic makeup of an individual.

Regenerative medicine
Innovative medical therapies that will enable the body to repair, replace, restore and regenerate damaged or diseased cells, tissues and organs.

Stem cells
Unspecialized cells that have the ability to self-replicate and give rise to specialized cells. Stem cells can be found at different stages of development and are present in a wide range of adult tissues.

Technology transfer
The process of converting scientific findings from research laboratories into useful products by the commercial sector.

Translational research
The process of applying ideas, insights and discoveries generated through basic scientific inquiry to the treatment or prevention of disease or injury. +