November 7, 2023 KATHRYN CANNON
Scientific literature is meant to be accessible to the public, academics, scientists, and medical professionals alike. Many researchers even seek additional funding so they can publish their research papers with open access to the general public.
When a research paper is published with open access, anyone can access the full text article instantly, and without charge. If 'open access' is available, the full research paper is linked in a button on the righthand side of the papers abstract, excerpt, or summary.
Give yourself time to read and understand the latest research on your medical conditions, herbal supplements, and drugs. Medical research papers can provide valuable insights when researching our own health conditions. I have seen people with chronic health conditions become much better advocates for themselves after becoming familiar with the research available on their condition.
It can be exciting to learn more about your medical condition and scientific research can provide us with valuable information, but it's important seek the guidance of your trusted physician and medical team before making changes in your routine.
With practice, anyone can familiarize themselves with the terms needed to navigate this wealth of information.
Research terms to know:
Invitro – meaning “in glass” are studies taking place in a glass vessel outside of a living organism
In vivo – meaning “within the living” are studies conducted within a living organism (i.e. animal models, human models)
Animal studies – previously required by the FDA to test drug toxicity. In 2022 the federal law changed, no longer requiring animal models, which are often inaccurate and inhumane.
Clinical trial –NIH’s definition for a clinical trial is ‘a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include placebo or other control) to evaluate the effects of those interventions on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes.’ Randomized control trials (RCT) where the participants are blind to the study is the most rigorous way to study human participants.
Review – a review is a type of scientific article that uses the process of analysis to compile either a narrative, systematic review, or meta-analysis review of published scientific studies and literature on the subject matter. The researcher defines the question, need, and scope of this systematic literature review.
Control group – this group is not participating in the treatment. They receive no treatment and may be given a placebo.
Test group – this group is given the real treatment for the experiment. Researchers are testing the outcome of the treatment on this group, while the control group is considered the baseline.
Placebo – an imitation treatment having no effect. The placebo given to the control group is often designed to look like the treatment the test group receives so the subjects remain blind to the study. Placebo effect itself has been studied and researchers have become aware of its perceived effects.
Kathryn Cannon is an experienced organic gardener, clinical herbalist, and advocate for patient rights. She founded Terra Uma LLC in 2017 to empower clients to optimize performance and mental health by incorporating plants and fungi into their everyday routines. Kathryn was co-founder of an urban farm and community center in Portland, OR. She currently runs a wellness coaching practice in the Washington, DC area where she assists clients in finding relief with herbs and wellness tools.