Believing in science

Abstract

In 2021, the journal Science highlighted three major breakthroughs, respectively, the development of Artificial Intelligence-powered protein structure prediction tools, the use of ancient soil nuclear DNA and the clinical application of in vivo CRISPR gene editing to cure two genetic conditions. Also three major breakdowns were pointed out: an unfortunate FDA approval of Aducanumab for Alzheimer's disease, a continued inaction on climate change and the fact that politicians were exploiting social media to undermine scientific credibility on critical issues ranging from the development and the use of vaccines in the middle of a pandemic to the impending devastation of climate change (Editorial, Science, vol. 374, no. 6574, December 17, 2021). This enormous contrast between scientific breakthroughs and breakdowns is, to say the least, deplorable. Indeed, the breakthrough in protein folding is one of the greatest scientific achievements enabling important future research. By contrast, the loss of respect for scientific authority observed globally is entirely disheartening. In response a call for action is needed urgently. This paper aims at providing a general framework in order to reinforce scientific credibility. As defined by C.H. Waddington, “Science is the organized attempt of mankind to discover how things work as causal systems” (C.H. Waddington: The Scientific Attitude, Penguin Books, 1948). From basic research to applied research Science encompasses a very large spectrum (V. Bush: Science: the endless frontier, National Science Foundation, 1945). In addition, to the use-inspired basic research (the Pasteur's Quadrant) there is an important research less inspired by the goal of understanding or the goal of use (D.E. Stokes: Pasteur's Quadrant: Basic Science and Technological Innovation, Brookings Institution Press, 1997). Nevertheless, from basic research to applied research, the route is risky and the time lag required in translational research is at least 17 years (Z. S. Morris et al., J R Soc Med 2011:104:510–520). However, in 2020, just a single year was needed to develop effective vaccines against acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Editorial, Science, vol. 270, no. 6523, December 18, 2020). This monumental achievement is remarkable as it illustrates the power of Science if given its head. Therefore to address this loss of scientific credibility in the present context of misinformation (O'Connor and J. Weatherall: The Misinformation Age, Yale University Press, 2019) a novel democracy founded on Science should be elaborated further (P.Kitcher: Science, Truth, and Democracy, Oxford University Press, 2001). At least two major lines of force could be addressed: First, the education of Science goals and its rigorous methodology should be reinforced vigorously. Namely, methods and the scientific process to advance knowledge and arrive at evidence-based judgments rather than memorized facts should be taught widely (Editorial, Science: vol. 375, no. 6587, March 25, 2022). In particular, the importance of Rigor, Robustness and Reproducibility (R. Harris: Rigor Mortis, Basic Books, 2017) as well as the value of a control and actually thinking by numbers (I. Ayres: Super Crunchers, Bantam Books, 2007) should be taught again and again. Finally, Science should rely heavily on truth and not on truthiness (H. Wainer: Truth or Thruthiness, Cambridge University Press, 2016). Second, there is a unity of knowledge (consilience) and a scientific methodology that links biology, the humanities and art should be advocated. (E.O. Wilson: Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge, Harvard University Press, 1998). Indeed, Science is more like art than not, and the function of modern artists is not to convey beauty but to convey new truths (E. Kandel: The Age of Insight, Random House, 2012). Finally “Science should become an attitude to the world, a way of living. Indeed, the scientific attitude is tolerant, friendly and humane. It has already become the dominant inspiration of human culture, so that modern artists derive their most constructive ideas from scientific thoughts. It is the only activity which is today vital and strong enough to lead mankind forward along the path evolution has marked out for humans” (C.H. Waddington: The Scientific Attitude, Penguin Books, 1948). This work is dedicated with appreciation to the Editors, Associate Editors and the Wiley Editorial & Production Officers of the Journal Birth Defects Research.