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We simply cannot go on being so vague about 'function'.

W Ford Doolittle1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada. ford@dal.ca.

Genome Biology
|December 20, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Scientists urge caution when using the term "function" in research. Specificity is crucial for clear scientific communication, as highlighted by Steven Salzberg and colleagues

Area of Science:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Genomics
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • The term "function" is frequently used in biological and computational studies.
  • Ambiguity in defining biological function can lead to misinterpretations and hinder scientific progress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the varied interpretations and applications of the term "function" in scientific literature.
  • To advocate for precise and context-specific definitions of biological function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies, including work by Steven Salzberg and colleagues.
  • Analysis of the usage and implications of the term "function" across different research areas.

Main Results:

  • The study reveals that "function" is often used imprecisely.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Lack of specificity in defining function can obscure research findings and impede reproducibility.

    • Conclusions:

    • Researchers must be more rigorous and explicit when defining and using the term "function".
    • Clearer definitions of function will enhance the accuracy and impact of scientific research.