"Streamline Complex Techniques with Online Protocols for Concise Methods Sections"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Nature.com
Researchers have developed a method called enhanced electric fluorescent in situ hybridization (EEL FISH) to detect the expression levels of hundreds of genes in tissue. However, conveying all the pertinent details of this complex technique in the methods section of a research article can be challenging. To overcome this limitation, step-by-step protocols can be provided to make the procedure easier to follow and implement. Platforms such as Protocols.io and OpenWetWare.org offer a forum for questions and comments, allowing for post-publication updates and long-term support. Communicating common pitfalls, documenting key steps with pictures or videos, and defining "obvious" steps can also enhance the accessibility and transparency of methods, making them more useful for replication and scientific research.