Survey: Public Supports Biotech

A new national survey of 800 American voters conducted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization shows that a majority of people — 53 percent — want the federal government to financially support the biotechnology industry, a BIO press release says. Even in a time of economic hardship, the survey respondents said the government should financially support the industry — either through tax incentives or direct funding — in order to cure disease, produce alternative energy sources, and create abundant food sources, BIO says. "The survey found that the key biotechnology industry issues are ranked by voters as either 'extremely' or 'very' important — behind only the economy, education, reducing the deficit/government spending — and alongside of issues such as combating terrorism and reducing taxes," the press release adds.