It didn't work. Smalley finished half his beer and got up. He decided to try once more. This time, he would create small paper pentagons and stick them together. The finale to Smalley's frustrated evening could spark envy in the most accomplished scientist.
Researchers cherish the moment of discovery.
In one second, imperfect models and endless experiments burn off like fog. What's left is a clear, bright idea. It's a moment of pure excitement, pure emotion. As a young scientist, Joel Cohen took a gamble to explore a way to model ecological communities. Others get streaks of insight when they let their brains take a breather.