Scientists Know When To Shut Up: What does data say? What does it NOT say?
How we read scientific research is key as consumers. We want to be aware of the fact data can be greatly exaggerated online.
The single biggest issue I see online is people trying to "connect dots that aren't connected yet" (Facts are being stated and accepted as true without the data actually being there). I think this is not something people intend to do, but it’s still a concern. The quality of educational content can also really vary. Owners are still responsible to fact check things before repeating!
As someone who did academic research for 20 yrs, we learn REALLY quick to not over state things. For one, the data needs to really be demonstrating it…... Second, science is at heart imperfect and that's why we need many bodies of work. We must repeat the findings in several settings before preaching “Gospel Truth”. Also, those on the team with me did not suffer fools and you learn really quick to not walk past what it's REALLY saying! Yes, it’s exciting and interesting to have new research to discuss! I LOVE getting my hands on new papers related to horse nutrition, feeds and supplements!
As a nutrition professional and scientist, I try to balance advice for clients and not over-stating. Also, nutrition care and veterinary care have intersections, but they are not at heart the same goal.
Social media is a world unto its own. It's a starting point. I have seen thing stated as facts by others that have NOT been yet clearly demonstrated in my opinion.
I believe in empowering you to read things for yourself, but have trusted sources like myself, your vet, and local extension offices/vet center.
The community needs to do a better job of bridging academics, social media, and overall improve the quality of consumer education. We all work together to help clients and horses.
That’s why I created the 21,000 strong FB community to offer a free resource. I have a VERY educated team of “scientific admins” to support me and I thank my lucky stars they are offering time and energy to support this amazing community. I truly am blessed!
I am at heart a client advocate, and being an independent professional allows me complete freedom to do this….I do what I can to add to the body of knowledge, knowing my “deep work” happens one on one with the client consultations.
Here are some tips for the consumer to read science.
We must take data as a whole
Keep a balanced approach- valuing the data and new info but not leaping to conclusions that the paper isn't really saying.
What are other papers saying about this subject?
Does the data here match those publications? Disagree?
Where can we get more help learning about this topic?
To change standard practice is a big deal. One must carefully consider things and the nutrition community should have a variety of sources that confirm before we suggest things. However, I'm not a vet and your personal vet team is the best to ask about your needs. I strongly suggest owners all take a nutrition course offered at your local university, online through Rugers, OSU, Michigan, Minnesota, etc to be well versed in the basics. This post is not directed at any group, party or topic. I have become concerned as social media is becoming the place people are getting nutrition education. It was time to comment and try to do my part to give you my best thoughts to avoid overwhelm and be “the voice of reason”. So when the post comments start to fly, Tik Tok is tokcing, and things are rolling, please consider facts, logic and the “big picture”.
Annie Emery, MS CRC CESMT CENA.
Revolution Equine Nutrition, LLC
Copyright 2024
Academic Links for Consumers: How to Read Scientific Papers
https://www.science.org/content/article/how-seriously-read-scientific-paper
https://aspb.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/HowtoReadScientificPaper.pdf