"It is hard to
predict how
science is going
to turn out, and
if it is really
good science, it
is impossible to
predict."

—Lewis Thomas
late biologist
and writer

In a familiar science fiction scenario, a scientist knocks over a test tube and creates a medicine—or weapon—with incredible power. Although a number of important advances have occurred by chance, most scientific advances are not accidental. Neither are most findings made by lone scientists. They are products of years of intensive labor by teams of researchers that include many young scientists in training. Increasingly, interdisciplinary groups of scientists are working together to tackle problems that transcend their individual expertise.

In many cases, basic research has unexpected applications. For example, studies in how viruses infect bacteria led to the discovery of restriction enzymes, which are a cornerstone of the biotechnology industry. Research on how electric fields affect bacteria led to an important cancer medication, cisplatin. And curiosity about substances that break down bacterial walls led to the identification of penicillin as an antibiotic drug.

Basic research often relies on studies in "model organisms" such as mice, fruit flies, or bacteria. Because human cells contain the same molecular building blocks and pathways as those of most other living things, researchers can learn much about the way our cells work by studying these simpler organisms. These creatures allow scientists to design and control their experiments tightly and to select the type of organism best suited for examining a specific problem or process.

Ingredients of good research include stimulating scientific collaboration, adequate funds, and the ability to shift directions to pursue promising leads. Sometimes, all it takes is having the right scientists in the right place at the right time. Whether it comes as blockbuster discoveries or incremental advances, history shows that over time, untargeted basic research yields inestimable rewards.

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