A new book, “The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog,” highlights the importance of basic science research, which often seems “silly” or unrelated to everyday life. However, as the book’s author, Carly Anne York, shows, these seemingly insignificant projects can lead to groundbreaking discoveries that transform our lives. York shares examples of how research on sea fireflies and the urination time of mammals has led to significant advances in medicine and technology.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect increased scrutiny of government funding for basic science research, with some politicians questioning its value. However, this may also lead to a renewed focus on the importance of curiosity-driven research and its potential to drive innovation.
Forecast for 1 year: As the US government continues to cut science funding, researchers may face increased pressure to demonstrate the immediate practical applications of their work. This could lead to a shift towards more applied research, but may also stifle innovation and discovery.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, we can expect to see significant advances in fields such as biotechnology and materials science, driven by the discoveries made possible by basic research. However, the long-term impact of these breakthroughs may not be fully realized until later.
Forecast for 10 years: By 2033, we can expect to see widespread adoption of technologies developed through basic research, such as advanced medical treatments and sustainable energy solutions. However, the pace of progress may be slowed by continued funding cuts and a lack of public understanding of the importance of basic science.
