This just in:
Bugs breathe!
In other news, the sky is blue!

Apparently though, scientists have wondered if bugs really breathe for nearly 2000 years. The solution could lead to different kinds of pesticides, as well as new medical diagnoses using a modified form of the x-ray technique developed to find the answer.

Never underestimate "stupid" science. The only thing that separates you from the 19th century is electricity, and that was figured out by a bunch of weenies getting payed to play around with sparks and "swamp gas" (methane). Learning why birds sing lead to important advances in the understanding of brain function.

History has shown time and again letting weird people tink around with dumb things can lead to enormous payoffs.