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Poll indicates support for prevention research As the presidential election nears, South Carolinians are speaking out in favor of an increased investment in prevention research and prioritizing public health interests, particularly as they affect the state’s health, education and economy.  A recent Research!America poll, released in partnership with the University of South Carolina and MUSC, found that the majority of South Carolina residents (70 percent) believe too little is spent on prevention research.  Sixty-seven percent feel the United States should at least double its national investment in research. During this election year, more than 90 percent of residents say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports an increase in funding research to cure and prevent disease.  Other findings in this 2004 survey included: 96 percent of residents report prevention research that focuses on diabetes should be a top/somewhat high priority, and 81 percent report overweight- and obesity-focused research should be a top/somewhat high priority. 72 percent say it is very important to conduct medical or health research to understand and eliminate health disparities.  68 percent strongly/somewhat oppose reducing the public health programs’ budgets to reduce the state deficit, while 69 percent strongly/somewhat favor increasing the sales tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products to reduce the South Carolina state budget deficit.  73 percent strongly/somewhat favor a regulation to establish a smoke-free environment in all public buildings. 81 percent favor a regulation in South Carolina requiring minimum standards of physical education in all public schools. The poll was conducted by Harris Interactive. For more information, call 703-739-2577, ext. 35.    Friday, Oct. 28, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.