How to read and present a
scientific paper
Scientific Papers
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•
Scientists share their results in papers
How do you read one?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Skim
Vocabulary
Comprehension (look at figures!)
Reflection and criticism
Parts of a Scientific Paper
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•
Abstract
4 parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
How do you present a paper?
1. Introduction
– Background (~2 slides)
– Hypothesis (1 slide)
2. Methods (1-2 slides)
3. Results
– 1-2 figures / slide
– Summary (1 slide)
4. Discussion (2 slide)
- include future directions
Example paper presentation
Influence of Life Stress on
Depression: Moderation by a
Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene
Caspi et al. (2003)
Science, Jul 18;301(5631):386-9.
Genes, Environment and Depression
• Depression is prevalent
• Stressful events (the environment) may or
may not lead to depression
• The 5-HTT gene may underlie these
behaviorally different reactions
Hypothesis
• Different genotypes of the 5-HTT gene
mediate depression reactions to stressful
experiences.
Methods
• 1037 individuals (follow from age 3 to 26)
• 3 groups based on genotype of 5-HTT
– 1. s/s
– 2. s/l
– 3. l/l
• Test reactions to stressful events at age 21 - 26
Results
5-HTT genotype affects amount of
major depression episodes
P = 0.05
S genotype increases % of major depression episodes
(Fig 2)
Summary
• S genotype of 5-HTT increases the effect
of stressful life events on depression
including
– major depression episodes
– predicted suicides
Discussion
• Gene (ie. 5-HTT) interacts with the
environment (ie. stressful life event) to
affect behavior (depression)
• Questions:
– What is the mechanism for 5-HTT affecting
depressive behavior?
– Is there an evolutionary advantage to having
the s allele?
Discussion
• Genes can affect the reaction to
environmental risks factors
• Possible future direction: test different 5HTT genotype on aggressive behavior
TOOLKIT CREDITS:
Developed by Angela Gee, (Los Angeles Trade Tech Community College, CA) and Martin
Diaz,( Los Angeles Trade Tech Community College , CA) with support by the rest of the CDEBI Collaborative Toolkit Team.
WEBSITE:
http://www.coexploration.org/C-DEBI/toolkits_science_papers.html