It’s the year 1960, and you are asked this question: Which would you donate $10 toward: Research to develop an affordable treatment for diabetes OR basic research on how bacteria protect themselves? What would your answer be?

Those of you who are scientists likely recognize this as a trick question. However, it’s a great way to get a viewer interested in watching a video about why basic research is important. The video was created by five graduate students and a post-doctoral scientist and recently won a national video contest called “Stand Up For Science“. Take a look: