Scientists are those people who understand incomprehensible symbols on paper, make incredible discoveries, wear white robes and give the world hope for a bright future. But do not forget that scientists are people too, and man is by nature imperfect and inclined to make mistakes. And for this reason, even in the world of these geniuses, there are those who, by their actions, if not destroying the world, will clearly slow down progress. We will tell about 5 problems of the world of science that exist because of the human factor.
1. Scientists give silly names to their discoveries.
Genetics is a science that requires extensive knowledge and, as it turned out, fantasies to give the name to a great variety of genes. What motivated scientists who discovered various genomes in animals and gave them the names “Ken and Barbie gene” or “magic gene”, we do not know. But when similar genes were found in people, it turned into a real comedy, and at first it was not easy for medical students to understand why people in white coats came up with just such a name. Now imagine a doctor who explains to the child’s parents that he has a gene for magic. Without a letter from Hogwarts sounds somehow unconvincing.
The hedgehog gene causes terrible facial defects; This is a terrible disease, which gave the name most likely Sonic lover. Why hedgehog, we still do not know, but the unfortunate animal was offended. In 2001, one scientist thought it would be fun to call the cancer-causing gene “Pokemon gene”. The brand itself promised to sue the company, because now the phrase “Chirmander, I am calling you” has acquired a different meaning.
This ridiculous name was so bad that in 2015 the World Health Organization created a law prohibiting scientists from naming genes responsible for terrible diseases, with reference to pop culture.
What the science of death knows
2. False discoveries made by paranoid scientists
The goal of every scientist is to help humanity come to a better life. But for some, the goal is paranoid lust for fame. In 2014, a group of scientists decided to conduct a study that would shed light on whether there is racism in the world of football. Two groups of subjects were asked to answer, white or black player will receive a red card for the match. According to a study, it was found that 30% of people unreasonably gave the answer that black. Scientists decided that 30% of football fans are racists, and immediately published an article in one of the scientific journals. This became a real bomb, but only until it became clear that about 60 people took part in the experiment, which is catastrophically small. The fact is that these “luminaries” were so afraid that their research would be stolen, that they decided to draw conclusions only on the basis of a survey of a small group of people. And after printing in a serious edition, the idea that many football fans are racists has taken root in the minds of many people. So paranoia can cause false discoveries that the masses will believe.
3. Scientific jokes can cause real problems.
In England, one authoritative publication once a year publishes scientific articles that are invented only as a joke. But when such an article is published in a serious magazine, the joke may not be so funny. In 2015, an article was published, which spoke about the benefits of beer and that it helps to lose weight, wise up, and indeed is a drink of the gods. It is difficult to argue with the latter, but it is unlikely to add a mind and slim figure. Only here, thousands of people actually believed in these inventions and stopped limiting themselves in any way to the use of nectar from the top of Olympus. The journal had such great authority in the world of science that some scientists actually began to conduct such research. For example, in our country, such experiments are conducted every Friday in a noisy company, but the results usually have the opposite effect.
When science is desperately lying
4. Only English, please
Do a worthy study, make a discovery, and your work will bring glory and success, if it is printed in English. This approach is bad not only for scientists who do not know a foreign language, but also for science itself. Indeed, because of the translation, unique ideas and descriptions of the scientist himself can be lost, which makes the discovery not so complete. Of course, being able to speak English today is more a necessity than a whim, but the language of science should not have such limitations.
5. Journals that publish unverified scientific material.
There are journals in the world of science that have been called “insignificant pseudoscientific spam” by many scientists. These publications are not chasing after authenticity, but behind mass character; therefore, they publish even absurd and unconfirmed “facts” by research. Because of such journals not only trees that have become paper suffer, but also the minds of readers who accept false research as truth.
There is a reverse problem: publications that refuse to publish standing research on “unpopular” topics, such as the spread of AIDS, global warming, and the like, because people do not want to know the truth. Science does not tolerate the subjunctive mood, so choose wisely the publications that you will believe.
