The differences between applied science and basic science are often exaggerated. The myth is that applied science helps out with "real world problems" and the development of technology, while basic science is done for little more than for the thrill of scientists with big research grants. In reality, these concepts are crucially intertwined.
Science helps us understand. Technology helps us accomplish.
Applied science examines a specific set of circumstances with the end goal of development of technology to accomplish a task. Clinical drug trials, software development, and agriculture experiments are all examples of applied science with specific goals in mind.
Basic science focuses on scientific theories and fundamental principles. The goal of basic science is to gain insight into how something in the universe works. Projects of basic science do not have a specific goal in mind or problem to solve Space exploration, for example was perused without any real goal in mind, unless you count looking more badass than the Russians as a goal.
The myth is that basic science has no practical applications. But history is full of example of "research for research's sake" leading to real world applications. There's no way to know what discoveries in basic science will lead to vast advances. The discovery of x-rays had no practical purpose, until we realized they could be used to see through human bodies. Materials developed for space exploration are now used in cancer treatments. Penicillin's discovery was a complete accident. We don't know what research is going to be helpful to the human race until we do it.
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