| For years research has led to many great discoveries that have not only changed the face of earth, but have profoundly revolutionized our lifestyles. Research by nature is an ongoing phenomenon and will ever continue to be so in the future; however, over the last century, general increase in educational level of people and easy access to information through the internet have given rise to a new challenge of information dissemination. Traditionally, research findings are reported in scientific journals for research community’s perusal in an effort to advance science. Research evidence builds up over a certain length of time before application into real world scenarios can occur. Let us consider medical research as an example of real world application. Scientific findings shed light on new evolving therapies aimed at providing improved care and quality of life. Several of these research studies involve use of animals. Let us consider and even more specific example: walking recovery after a spinal cord injury. Several ongoing studies are examining various aspects of this injury model which are studied using a plethora of instruments such as – force transducers, treadmill, limb trajectories, electrically and electromagnetically evoked reflexes, drugs, robotics, imaging techniques, and several more. In addition to human work, animals are routinely used to study new ways to improve walking ability after spinal cord injury. Thus, it is evident that several specialties are together working towards a common goal. Working together does not automatically imply a better understanding. An inherent flaw with super-specialization is isolation. Unfortunately, the research findings from one super-specialty can appear abstruse to a layman. For the purpose of this article, I will define a layman as any person who does not understand the field-specific technical jargon. So a sensible scientific paper could be completely incomprehensible and full of ‘jargon’ for anyone outside the small circle of scientists involved in cutting edge research. The power of 21st century technology has made it feasible to access information over the internet in a matter of minutes. The readers from all walks of life demand information, especially when a loved one is spinal cord injured as an example. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has taken new steps to ensure public access to health related research. All scientists funded by this institute are required to submit a manuscript of their study for free public access. This is an important step towards the goal of increasing awareness about new information related to health issues. In spite of this big step, as I have earlier described, such manuscripts are difficult to understand for a layman. It would be a great help for readers if NIH also mandates that all authors also submit an abstract of their research findings which is primarily directed towards a lay audience. The direction of research initiatives are no longer driven by personal desires and a pure thirst for knowledge. Research teams are required to submit a proposal which includes, most importantly, the purpose and the projected benefits of the research. Research funding in America for example is primarily provided by NIH which spends tax-payers’ money. The purpose of this expense is to eventually benefit the tax-payers who have a right to clear and concise information procured from these wonderful experiments. If information is disseminated in a language comprehensible to a layman, then the scientists on their part can be satisfied of having fulfilled their obligation towards society. Being a scientist involves two equally important aspects: conducting experiments and disseminating the new information gained. Both these aspects have been going through sea changes over the last many years and the time has come for us to help reflect and consult to add clarity to the process of information dissemination. Chetan Phadke, P.T., Ph.D. |