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Something so groundbreaking as advances in slowing Alzheimer's disease through scientific exchange shouldn't come as a surprise.

As a lecturer in political science research methods I always emphasize to my students the importance of dialogue within a community of academic researchers, social or otherwise, through the sharing and critical discussion of research. I believe as much is said in college texts on the matter. So why are the researchers in this news article below surprised at the progress made on identifying markers that give a broad profile of Alzheimer's disease that in turn will help in its treatment?

Check the link to the article and keep reading afterwards,

From The New York Times: Rare Sharing of Data Leads to Progress on Alzheimer's. The key to a collaborative Alzheimer's project was an ambitious agreement to share all the data, making every single finding public immediately.

http://nyti.ms/9u3Ly3

One has to wonder the kind of anomic societies we live in, where scientists and researchers are not able to communicate nor share data and/or findings based on the selfish lure of financial gain. Sad indeed is the world where pharmaceutical companies dictate the terms where medical and neurological research based on business decisions keeping the findings to themselves and not for the biochemical and neuropsychological benefit of societies.

It is, however, more disturbing that the surprise in research collaboration should come from scientist in the government's payroll. This is indicative of a deficient and questionable scientific and organizational culture, where egos are allowed to thrive and competition between agencies transforms into lack of advancement in research. But hey! I'm just a political scientist. You tell me...

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