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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Our confidence in research depends in large part on the thoroughness of the scientists who conduct it. Even the best scientists can make mistakes that devalue their investigations. Especially in research involving protein expression and purification, the fundamental starting point is investing in high-quality equipment. Without reliable equipment, no amount of care will guarantee trustworthy results. These are some of the more common mistakes and suggestions for how to avoid them.
Failure to Examine the Literature for Prior Research
No matter the field, all science is about finding out the answers to our questions. However, sometimes we pose a question that another has already asked and answered. In fact, one should always start with the assumption that a previous team has already researched a problem. This doesn’t mean it should be left alone, because there are always new angles to approach, but it does mean that, unless your goal is to repeat the research, you might need to refine your question.
Suggestion: When searching the literature, read the discussion section of previous research. It will often point out areas that need further study.
Failure to Specify Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Listing the criteria by which subjects were included or excluded from a study is vitally important but frequently forgotten. Listing the criteria will help other researchers determine why your results may have varied from similar studies. When you determine your criteria, it will be important to stick rigidly to it.
Suggestion: You can look at prior research to get an idea of what others have used for their criteria.
Failure to Report the Error of Measurement Methods
Imprecise data can create an artificial effect that isn’t there or hide one that is. Sometimes the errors in measurement come down to poor data entry. Other times, it’s because the examiners have not been properly calibrated for their tasks. Ongoing studies may require frequent recalibration of their examiners to have confidence in the results.
Suggestion: Be meticulous about calibrating your examiners. Confirm the quality of your data entry. You can even make the calibration process its own research project and publish it in a scientific journal.
Failure to Perform Sample Size Analysis
Many clinical trials have too few subjects to distinguish between different treatments, which poses an issue to many researchers while engaging in the isolation and purification of proteins. There are computer-based programs that will tell you what sample size you need for which confidence intervals. You will need to know if the data is linear or non-linear and have an idea of what you expect the effect size to be.
Suggestion: If the data is linear and the standard deviation is much larger than the difference in size between two treatment groups, you will need a substantially larger sample size.
Failure to Store Reagents Properly
If you are using perishable biological agents in your study, you must be sure to store them properly. This is a serious concern during the protein purification protocol. Failure to do so can invalidate your results.
Suggestion: One way to determine the quality of your agents is by using the right equipment. Tycho, for example, can quickly tell you about the quality of your proteins during recombinant protein purification. If you are unsure, use technology as an aid.
Everyone makes mistakes from time to time, no matter how circumspect we are. However, we can prevent many of these mistakes by sticking to a protocol and proceeding carefully through it. A little time with the right checklist can save a lot of work from unnecessary revisions while studying protein characterization, affinity purification, and more.
SOURCES:
https://blog.oup.com/2016/06/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/