The Boston Globe reports that Harvard Medical School has received a $200 million donation — the largest in its history — to support research into fundamental questions about human illness and health.

“…Harvard officials said the gift promotes loftier goals than just new hires and purchases. The money, they said, will free researchers to pursue the questions that intrigue them, even when no immediate application can be foreseen. At the same time, the incubator building and other resources are intended to more quickly translate scientific insights into therapies.”