Between 1996 and 2003, the National Academy of Sciences' Office on Public Understanding of Science produced a collection of articles as part of its Beyond Discovery series. Each article traces the path of basic research that has lead to a medical or technical application. Often the application was unanticipated at the time the research was performed.

A professional science writer wrote each of the articles with the assistance of knowledgeable scientists who may have participated in the work described. The articles are enhanced on the web by the addition of glossaries and high-quality external links.

Currently, the web site is being maintained by the National Academies' Office of News and Public Information.