The Importance of Basic Science

My (hopefully) growing list of resources on why research without any immediate clear application is fundamentally important. This list is my own personal clearing house that will be eventually be turned into something more formal.

Studying Gila monster venom led to development of GLP-1 

Studying venom to find novel drugs. 

Controlling dengue, yellow fever, and zika with an endosymbiont 

The girlfriend, the doctor, murder, and phylogenetics (first time phylogenetics was used in a criminal court case). 

Studying petunia colors leads to cancer breakthrough 

Thank basic research for GPS 

Bacteria yellowstone hotsprings revolutioned modern molecular biology 

Sponges are nature's medicine cabinet 

Awards for basic research that translated into huge societal benefits: 

http://www.goldengooseaward.org/

Is basic research worth the investment?