Unconventional scientific research, often deemed frivolous, can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and life-changing advancements. Discover the fascinating story of how basic science research led to the breakthroughs of green fluorescent protein and its revolutionary impact on biological research and medicine.
The Pursuit of Basic Science: Unlocking the Secrets of Nature
As we delve into the intricacies of scientific inquiry, it becomes apparent that not every discovery is immediately applicable or relevant to everyday life. However, it’s precisely this type of basic science research that can lead to groundbreaking advancements and improvements in our lives.
The Power of Unconventional Research
One such example is the study of sea fireflies, which had puzzled scientists for over 20 years. Researchers knew that a molecule–enzyme pair generated the shine, but they had not been able to isolate and study it. This seemingly unrelated area of research eventually led to the discovery of ‘green fluorescent protein (GFP)’, a compound that revolutionized biological research and medicine.
The work on sea fireflies attracted the attention of a U.S. researcher, who later recruited Osamu Shimomura to help unravel the light-emitting mechanism of luminescent jellyfish. Shimomura’s team identified two proteins responsible for the jellyfish’s mysterious glow – aequorin and ‘GFP’.
The groundbreaking work revolutionized biological research and medicine. Doctors now use ‘GFP’ to better visualize and avoid nerves during surgery, as well as to track the spread of cancer cells in the body. The discovery earned Shimomura the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a genetically encoded marker used to visualize and study biological processes in living cells.
First isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, GFP has revolutionized cell biology research by allowing scientists to track protein movements and interactions in real-time.
This powerful tool has been widely adopted across various fields, including genetics, neuroscience, and cancer research.
GFP's ability to emit green fluorescence when excited by blue light makes it an invaluable asset for visualizing cellular dynamics.
A Catalyst for Change
However, such examples don’t stop politicians from questioning the value of basic science time and time again. David Hu, a fluid dynamics researcher at Georgia Tech, knows this firsthand through a confrontation that York amusingly dubbed “a pissing match”.
In 2016, three of Hu’s projects were featured in ‘Wastebook‘, a report of government spendings that then-Sen. Jeff Flake deemed wasteful. Having not only one but three of his grants listed made Hu the “most wasteful scientist of the year”, according to Hu himself.
But Hu’s work on how long mammals take to pee – one of the featured projects – revealed that, regardless of species, it takes about 21 seconds to empty a bladder. This ‘other Golden Rule’ , as Hu often calls it, helped establish healthy urination time. Doctors now use it to detect prostate problems early. Engineers use it to design prosthetic urethras that can generate a proper urine stream.
David Hu is a renowned biomechanical engineer and professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
He specializes in 'fluid dynamics,' soft robotics, and biologically inspired engineering.
Hu's work focuses on understanding the mechanics of natural systems to develop innovative solutions for real-world problems.
His research has been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Science Foundation's CAREER Award and the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award.
The Importance of Curiosity-Driven Research
Masterfully deploying her wit, York reminds us that it’s nearly impossible for a science project to follow a straightforward path that results in an immediately applicable outcome. It is an especially timely reminder as the U.S. government cuts science funding today.
‘I am also endlessly appreciative of the scientists who paved the path of advocacy for basic research,’ York writes. ‘I hope that after reading this book you will be as well.’
By shedding light on the value and importance of basic science research, Carly Anne York’s new book encourages us to reevaluate our perceptions of what is truly worthwhile in scientific inquiry.
Basic science research involves studying fundamental principles and phenomena to understand the underlying mechanisms of natural systems.
It encompasses various disciplines, including physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics, seeking to answer questions about the universe's workings.
This type of research often leads to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations, shaping our understanding of the world.
Basic science research has contributed significantly to advancements in fields like medicine, technology, and environmental sustainability.
- sciencenews.org | Some science seems silly, but it’s still worthwhile
