Different settings, different questions
Basic research investigates fundamental biology and mechanisms. Preclinical research can use cells, animals, tissue samples or computer models. Clinical research involves people and includes more than intervention trials. NCATS describes these as connected areas of a research spectrum, rather than a one-way ladder. NCATS Translational Science Spectrum.
When reviewing peptide literature, label the study setting before summarizing the result. “Observed in cultured cells” and “observed in a human study” communicate different evidence.
Label the evidence before comparing it
| Setting | Record | Avoid assuming |
|---|---|---|
| Computational | Dataset, model, validation and prediction. | A predicted effect has been demonstrated experimentally. |
| Cells or isolated tissue | Source, conditions, comparator and measured response. | The response establishes an outcome in a whole organism. |
| Animal research | Species, experimental unit, study design and outcome. | A finding generalizes to people. |
| Human observational research | Population, exposure, confounding and uncertainty. | An association alone demonstrates causation. |
| Human intervention trial | Allocation, comparator, endpoints, population and follow-up. | One result applies to every population or supplied material. |
Read the sources and definitions in the surrounding sections. The annotated GHK example shows why several settings can appear in one paper.
A clinical study is not always a clinical trial
Under the NIH definition, a clinical trial prospectively assigns human participants to an intervention to evaluate a health-related outcome. This distinguishes trials from some other forms of human research. NIH definition of a clinical trial.
Read the actual design and outcome measures. The presence of human participants does not make every finding broadly applicable, and the word “clinical” alone does not describe the strength of the evidence.
Keep the conclusion within the study
For animal work, ARRIVE defines external validity as how far results may generalize beyond the specific study conditions, including to other species or humans. That question needs evaluation; it is not answered simply by a positive result. ARRIVE 2.0 explanation and elaboration.
- Name the organism or model and the outcome actually measured.
- Distinguish a proposed explanation from a directly tested mechanism.
- Check whether the same material, composition and conditions were studied.
- State the limitations before extending the conclusion to another setting.
Our paper-reading checklist provides a place to record those details.
Published research and supplied material are separate records
A publication is evidence about the study it reports. It is not a certificate for the material in a particular vial. A procurement review also needs the exact product specification, composition and available documentation for the offered lot.
Peptyed products are supplied only for laboratory research, not human or veterinary use. Nothing in this library changes that intended use. For a material review, start with our procurement checklist and batch documentation guide.