Why do podcasters and scientists regurgitate the same old info all the time?

Podcasts and scientific discourse in the Parkinson's disease sphere. Boring?

Podcasts and scientific discourse in the Parkinson's disease sphere often exhibit a repetitive nature, regurgitating familiar information and seldom seeming willing to explore fresh perspectives or therapeutic approaches (especially holistic, natural) beyond their conventional frame of reference. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, warranting critical analysis.

Firstly, the nature of scientific research itself may perpetuate this cycle. Parkinson's disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with well-established biochemical and pathological mechanisms. Scientists tend to focus on incremental advancements within existing paradigms rather than venturing into uncharted territories. This inclination towards incrementalism can lead to a conservative approach, where researchers prefer to build upon existing knowledge rather than exploring new ideas. The world of traditional and empirical evidence is a step to far for those who prefer the safety of research and grants and the familiarity of academia.

The way funding is applied makes for boring sameness

Moreover, the funding landscape in scientific research plays a significant role. Grant agencies often prioritise projects with a high probability of commercial success and immediate translational impact into pharmaceutical revenues. Consequently, researchers feel compelled to pursue more conventional avenues of investigation rather than innovative, thought provoking and unconventional ideas that might not attract funding or support.

Academic publishing incentivises the usual suspects

Additionally, the dynamics of academic publishing and scientific communication incentivise the dissemination of established, industry standard findings over innovative concepts. Scientists prioritise publishing in high-impact journals, which often favour studies that confirm existing medical and pharmaceutical hypotheses or validate established mainstream theories. As a result, there's little incentive for researchers to explore alternative viewpoints or unconventional approaches that deviate from the mainstream narrative.

The insular nature of scientific communities fosters sameness

The insular nature of scientific communities can foster intellectual homogeneity. Researchers within the Parkinson's disease sphere may be entrenched in a narrow frame of reference, surrounded by peers who share similar perspectives and methodologies. This echo chamber effect can stifle diversity of thought and discourage the exploration of novel ideas from outside disciplines.

The unfotunate tendency for podcasts and scientists in the Parkinson's disease sphere to recycle familiar information and overlook new therapeutic angles stems from a combination of factors, including the conservative nature of scientific research, funding 'constraints', publication biases, and intellectual homogeneity within scientific communities. Overcoming these barriers will require a concerted effort to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, encourage calculated risk-taking, and promote open-mindedness to empirical evidence within the scientific community.

MacuDopa is here for your full strength, full-taste PD journey.