Extremophiles have shown some practical value in the past decade.

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Strasbourg said it was unconvinced Jordan's legal guarantees against torture evidence would have "any real practical value".

BBC: Analysis: A very difficult decision on Abu Qatada

Those who have sought education, whether academic or practical, and who have through their own effort pushed themselves up the value-creation ladder, are increasingly mastering information tools that let them do or outsource the work of many.

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Yet as a practical matter, the lunch might have a huge value for the donor.

FORBES: Should Warren Buffett's $3.46M Lunch Be Tax Deductible?

Beyond its curiosity value, the discovery of Crassicorophium silk could have practical benefits.

ECONOMIST: A species of crustacean makes silk underwater