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Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module
10:39

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Published on: June 18, 2015

Reflections on basic science.

Joram Piatigorsky1

  • 1National Eye Institute/NIH, Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. joramp@nei.nih.gov

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
|November 2, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Basic research, or free exploration, offers unique advantages over translational studies. This approach fosters creativity and innovation, leading to discoveries like the gene-sharing concept, where proteins have diverse functions.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The author reflects on a 50-year scientific career, highlighting the value of open-ended basic research.
  • A distinction is drawn between basic research and translational/clinical research, emphasizing the unique benefits of the former.
  • Basic research is presented as a creative narrative, akin to artistic endeavors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for the preservation of autonomy in open-ended basic research.
  • To underscore the narrative and artistic qualities of basic scientific exploration.
  • To illustrate how basic research fuels innovation and attracts creative talent to science.

Main Methods:

  • The author's personal research on crystallins (proteins in the eye lens) serves as a case study.
  • Investigations spanned diverse organisms, from jellyfish to mice.
  • The development of the gene-sharing concept is presented as a key outcome.

Main Results:

  • Basic research led to unexpected discoveries and novel concepts, such as the gene-sharing concept.
  • The gene-sharing concept revealed that proteins can have distinct molecular functions based on expression patterns.
  • Conversely, different proteins can fulfill similar functional roles, demonstrating functional plasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Open-ended basic research is crucial for accelerating innovative concepts and generating foundational knowledge.
  • Recognizing the artistic and narrative aspects of basic science enhances its value and appeal.
  • Preserving basic research autonomy is vital for scientific progress and attracting creative minds to the field.