===== Curiosity (Scientific Definition) =====

**Curiosity** in science refers to the motivation to investigate phenomena without a predetermined application, driven by the intrinsic desire to understand how nature works.

==== Traits of Curiosity-Driven Research ====
  * Open-ended, question-focused
  * No immediate clinical or practical goal
  * May lead to paradigm-shifting insights
  * Often the origin of future translational innovations

==== Example ====
Engineering a protein tag system to sort molecules into EVs is curiosity-driven. Using that system to treat glioblastoma is translational.

==== Related Terms ====
  * [[translational_research]]
  * [[engineering_flair]]