Stagnation and herd mentality in the biomedical sciences.
Academic biomedical science is like music, painting, or other fashionable arts and politics. Concepts that are perceived to be 'in' can become widely accepted and then stagnate, remaining unchallenged for many years, independent of their scientific validity. Fads in biomedical science have been observed to last for years or decades. The reasons for herd mentality and stagnation are manifold, but their recognition allows opportunities for constructive awareness and perhaps effective countermeasures.
Brody
Jonathan R
JR
Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA.
Kern
Scott E
SE
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D006040:Goals; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D011643:Publishing; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D012924:Social Conditions