Mental tools for thinking about DNA technologies in new ways.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the nature of creative thinking in biomedical science with specific applications to molecular pathologies and DNA technologies.


METHODS
Accounts of breakthroughs and inventions contained in autobiographies, biographies, interviews, and archival sources.


METHODS
Discoveries that have altered, or may yet alter, basic textbook accounts of biomedical sciences for which appropriate data sources exist.


METHODS
Approximately 1000 data sources were analyzed, both within appropriate sciences and in other creative fields, such as the arts.


RESULTS
The current analysis is based on a framework described in our previous book, Sparks of Genius, which outlines a general approach to understanding creative thinking.


CONCLUSIONS
Creative thinking in all disciplines depends on a common mental "toolkit" that consists of 13 fundamental tools: observing, imaging, abstracting, pattern recognition, pattern forming, analogizing, body thinking, empathizing, dimensional thinking, modeling, playing, transforming, and synthesizing. Scientists recognize and solve problems by observing data that break the patterns established by theories; exploring a system by creating an abstract model with which they can play; and transforming data into feelings, sounds, and other forms that create surprising analogies to already-understood principles. The result of such personal thinking is knowledge combined with sensation and emotion--feeling and understanding synthesized into complete awareness. We illustrate some of these modes of thinking with reference to recent breakthroughs in DNA-related areas and suggest ways in which the use of "tools for thinking" can increase the probability of making further discoveries in the biomedical sciences.
Root-Bernstein
Robert
R
Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. rootbern@msu.edu
Root-Bernstein
Michele
M
D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D003405:Creativity; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D013850:Thinking