Building on decades of biological research, recent scientific and technological breakthroughs now allow researchers to study fundamental aspects of human cell biology with hitherto unimaginable depth, breadth, and precision. Using paradigms derived from his academic laboratory, one of which has led to the drug olaparib/LynparzaTM that is being used to treat cancer patients worldwide, Prof. Steve Jackson highlights how “blue skies” research into cell function can provide insights into disease mechanisms and identify new opportunities for better detecting, monitoring, and alleviating cancer and other diseases.