Guidelines for scientific reporting and Lab record keeping

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Soham Samanta · Accepted Answer

A. GUIDELINES FOR SCIENTIFIC REPORTING & LAB RECORD KEEPING

1. Scientific Reporting — Key Guidelines

1.1 Accuracy and Honesty

Record observations exactly as they occur.
Do not manipulate or fabricate data.
Ensure results reflect actual findings, even if they are negative.

1.2 Clarity and Organization

Present information in a logical sequence:
Title → Abstract → Introduction → Materials & Methods → Results → Discussion → Conclusion → References.
Use clear, concise scientific language.

1.3 Reproducibility

Provide sufficient experimental detail so that another researcher can repeat the study.
Include exact procedures, reagent concentrations, instrument settings, and conditions.

1.4 Objectivity

Interpret results without bias.
Distinguish between data, interpretation, and speculation.

1.5 Proper Referencing

Acknowledge all sources of information.
Use standard citation formats (APA, MLA, Vancouver, etc.)

1.6 Ethical Compliance

Follow institutional and national ethical guidelines.
Obtain approvals for studies involving humans or animals.
Disclose conflicts of interest.

1.7 Data Transparency

Include raw data tables, graphs, and statistical analysis.
Provide supplementary materials when needed.

2. Guidelines for Lab Record Keeping

2.1 Maintain a Bound Laboratory Notebook

Use a permanent, bound book (not loose sheets).
Number all pages beforehand.
Do not tear out pages.

2.2 Date Every Entry

All experimental plans, observations, and results must be dated.
Helps establish the timeline and authenticity.

2.3 Write in Permanent Ink

Avoid correction fluid; instead draw a single line through mistakes and initial the correction.

2.4 Detailed Experimental Records

Include the following:

Aim/Purpose
Materials & chemicals with grade and batch numbers
Instruments used (with calibration details)
Step-wise procedure
Observations (colour change, temperature, precipitate formation, time taken etc.)
Raw data and calculations
Final results and interpretation

2.5 Attach Supporting Materials

Photographs, printouts, instrument readouts, gel images, chromatograms.
Paste or staple securely, and reference them in the text (“See Fig. 1”).

2.6 Signature and Verification

Each entry must be signed by the researcher.
Supervisor should sign periodically to validate.

2.7 Maintain Safety and Waste Records

Record hazardous materials, spills, disposal methods.
Helps in audits and compliance.

2.8 Confidentiality

Research data must be stored securely.
Protect intellectual property (patents).

B. HUMAN EXPLOITATION ISSUES IN RESEARCH (Case Studies)

Case Study 1: Tuskegee Syphilis Study (USA, 1932–1972)

Nature of Exploitation:

Poor African-American men with syphilis were recruited without informed consent.
Researchers withheld treatment, even after penicillin became available.
Participants were misled and told they were receiving “free healthcare.”

Ethical Violations:

No informed consent
Deception
Denial of treatment
Exploitation of vulnerable population
Long-term physical and psychological harm

Impact:

Led to U.S. regulations like Belmont Report, ensuring respect, beneficence, and justice in research.

Case Study 2: Henrietta Lacks’ Cells (HeLa Cell Line, 1951)

Nature of Exploitation:

Cells from Henrietta Lacks (cervical cancer patient) were taken without consent.
Her cells became the first immortal cell line (HeLa), used in vaccine development, cancer research, etc.
Family was never informed; no compensation provided.

Ethical Violations:

Lack of informed consent
Commercial use of biological material without permission
No privacy or acknowledgment initially

Impact:

Triggered debates on patient rights, ownership of biological samples, and genetic data privacy.

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Guidelines for scientific reporting and Lab record keeping

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