Here is my list of “really stupid, frivolous academic pursuits” that have lead to major scientific breakthroughs.
Studying monkey social behaviors and eating habits lead to insights into HIV (Radiolab: Patient Zero)
Research into how algae move toward light paved the way for optogenetics: using light to control brain cells (Nature 2010 Method of the Year).
Black hole research gave us WiFi (ICRAR award)
Optometry informs architecture and saved lives on 9/11 (APA Monitor)
Certain groups HATE SETI, but SETI’s development of cloud-computing service SETI@HOME paved the way for citizen science and recent breakthroughs in protein folding (Popular Science)
Astronomers provide insights into medical imaging (TEDxBoston: Michell Borkin)
Basic physics experiments and the Fibonacci sequence help us understand plant growth and neuron development
Addendum (via Basic science is about creating opportunities)
Studying monkey social behaviors and eating habits lead to insights into HIV (Radiolab: Patient Zero)
Research into how algae move toward light paved the way for optogenetics: using light to control brain cells (Nature 2010 Method of the Year).
Black hole research gave us WiFi (ICRAR award)
Optometry informs architecture and saved lives on 9/11 (APA Monitor)
Certain groups HATE SETI, but SETI’s development of cloud-computing service SETI@HOME paved the way for citizen science and recent breakthroughs in protein folding (Popular Science)
Astronomers provide insights into medical imaging (TEDxBoston: Michell Borkin)
Basic physics experiments and the Fibonacci sequence help us understand plant growth and neuron development
(References)