What drives scientific breakthroughs? Sometimes, it starts with a question that has no clear answer.

Nobel laureate Randy Schekman shares his perspectives on exploring the scientific foundations of traditional Chinese medicine, the importance of curiosity-driven basic research and the power of international collaboration.

From Tu Youyou's discovery of artemisinin to the development of CRISPR gene-editing technology, he highlights how fundamental research can lead to transformative advances – often in ways scientists could never have predicted.

His message is clear: Science thrives when researchers have the freedom to explore, share knowledge openly and work together across borders.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Reporter and editor: Zhang Yuying

Videographer: Wang Hongjie 

Voice-over: Wang Yuxin

Copy editors: Zhou Jun, Vasiliki Lytaki, Joseph Stannard, Zhao Ying

Visual designer: Jia Jieqiong