Up Next
Back to Show
PBS News Hour
Why research for the pure sake of knowing is good enough
Duke University biologist Sheila Patek has faced criticism from lawmakers over her research into mantis shrimp and trap-jaw ants, with some calling her government-funded studies a waste of taxpayer money. But according to Patek, not only do her findings have important practical applications, but scientific inquiry is most fruitful when knowledge is sought for its own sake, not to justify budgets.
Support Provided By
57:46
October 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
October 8, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
October 7, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:45
October 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
26:45
October 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
October 4, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
57:46
October 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
October 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
October 1, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 30, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 29, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
26:45
September 28, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode