PBS NewsHour features an essay by Sheila Patek on discovery

PBS NewsHour features an essay by Sheila Patek on discovery

A mantis shrimp.

On Wednesday evening, May 25, the PBS NewsHour featured an essay by Sheila Patek on the importance of basic research. In her introduction, Judy Woodruff said, "Biologist Sheila Patek has faced criticism for her research on mantis shrimp and trap-jaw ants. In recent months, members of Congress have called her studies a waste of taxpayer money. Tonight, she explains how dismissing her work misses the aim of scientific research and discovery." The three-minute essay explains vividly why "the pure sake of knowing" is a sufficient justification for scientific research. You can watch the video at the link below.

The essay's effective defense of basic research has garnered many positive comments on social media. Three cheers for Sheila!