Stagnation and herd mentality in the biomedical sciences

Abstract

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. ©2004 Landes Bioscience.