Stanford researchers wanted to break with tradition and selected one of the simplest organisms around, M. genitalium, to be their test subject.

ENGADGET: Scientists create first computer simulation of a complete organism

Why did he decide to break with that tradition today, give a speech, and not take questions?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,

Few people who came to view Muammar Gaddafi's corpse in Misrata seemed to object to this break with tradition.

BBC: Muammar Gaddafi buried: End of gruesome show

Perhaps she was fortunate to live during one of those rare moments in human history when people, at least some people, were willing to contemplate a break with tradition.

FORBES: Linda Hudson, First Female CEO In Defense, Reflects On What It Takes

DiMicco was worried about rank-and-file fallout two years ago when the board decided it was time to break with 40 years of tradition and purchase its first corporate jet.

FORBES: Magazine Article

This crude, spontaneous style shattered existing design conventions for a lasting break with tradition, although the free spirit was lost to the even greater computer-graphics revolution of the '80s.

WSJ: When the Outrageous Became Mainstream