Growing Concern Over Reliability of Experiments Adds Pressure for Researchers

A recent report addresses concerns over the reliability of published research.“Frustration with this 'reproducibility crisis' is felt by everyone pursuing new disease treatments: … basic scientists…are forced to devote more time and resources to newly imposed requirements for rigour, reporting and statistics. Tightening rigour across all experiments will decrease the number of false positive findings, but comes with the risk of reducing experimental efficiency and creativity,” state authors Jeffery S. Mogil and Malcom R. Macleod.¹

Due to this growing emphasis on demonstrated reproducibility of experiments as a key indicator of the potential to publish, researchers need alternatives that are also flexible.

Focus on one technique in particular-Western Blots illustrates how variables and randomness can plague even the best lab technique.

“It’s important to use a strategy that fits the context and biology of your experiment,” says Kristi Ambroz, LI-COR director of customer solutions and support. “Review of publications is showing ...