Chapter 1: The PhD Dilemma

During my time writing my PhD thesis, I became increasingly aware of a significant issue within the academic mindset surrounding the pursuit of a doctorate.

The academic culture, particularly the relentless "publish or perish" mentality, is exceptionally prevalent in the life of a PhD candidate. Aspiring academics find themselves in a competitive environment where they must strive to gain attention. This involves publishing more articles, increasing readership, and garnering citations. The underlying principle is reminiscent of social Darwinism, and it’s not confined to academia; it's evident among Medium writers, Instagram influencers, content creators, and business owners. The focus is heavily on visibility and virality.

Consequently, groundbreaking research papers often resemble viral YouTube videos or Instagram posts in their intended audience—primarily academic. Researchers are assessed based on the impact factor of their work and their personal H-index, similar to how social media influencers are judged by their engagement statistics and follower counts.

While a PhD project should not consume one’s entire existence, it can certainly dominate almost every aspect of life. Maintaining a coherent theme and direction is crucial; new research ideas must be meticulously evaluated for their relevance to the overarching thesis. A compelling idea might yield a publication in a high-impact journal, enhancing one’s H-index, but it could also extend the timeline to graduation if it strays too far from the main focus.

In such a climate, it has become simpler to pursue incremental research rather than truly innovative inquiries where one thoroughly explores a specific subject. Jorge Cham, through his work at PhDComics.com, illustrates the typical experience of a PhD holder, who often knows a great deal about a very narrow field of study.

The real issue, however, is not the incremental nature of research; each new finding adds to our collective understanding. Unfortunately, the challenge lies in connecting these findings. The general public is often left to decipher conclusions without access to all relevant information.

This lack of comprehensive data can lead to sweeping generalizations, such as the claim that "eating too many eggs can lead to heart disease," which is prevalent in mainstream narratives.

A closer examination of egg contents reveals they are rich in cholesterol. However, the concern shouldn't solely focus on cholesterol intake. Our bodies operate as open systems in dynamic equilibrium; thus, we must also consider cholesterol excretion, which is not emphasized as much as egg consumption.

This incomplete picture results in misguided conclusions stemming from insufficient information and a failure to connect the dots accurately. Such misunderstandings can be exploited through marketing strategies, where half-truths are presented as absolute facts, particularly if endorsed by perceived experts, creating a lucrative business model.

For instance, if I could dissuade individuals from consuming eggs (and thus lower their protein intake) while promoting statins for cholesterol management, I might inadvertently create new health issues related to diminished energy levels. This happens because statins inhibit the mevalonate pathway, essential for synthesizing Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is crucial for energy production.

A deficit in CoQ10 can lead to the proliferation of free radicals, which can damage cells and biomolecules, triggering undesirable reactions that oxidize low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Therefore, if someone claims that "eating eggs raises cholesterol," it's clear they lack essential knowledge. Despite this, well-intentioned individuals often regard my family and me as outliers for our regular egg consumption, even as we maintain good health without heart disease or cholesterol medications—conditions many of them face despite their cautious egg intake.

This paradox is puzzling. Similarly, these individuals may tout Vitamin C as the ultimate immune booster, neglecting the fact that the immune system relies on a myriad of vitamins and minerals, not just Vitamin C.

Indeed, a limited understanding can lead to significant misconceptions!

Chapter 2: The Ethics of Medical Research

This chapter delves into the ethical considerations surrounding medical research and the implications of big data on patient privacy.

In this video, experts discuss the importance of protecting patient privacy in the context of big data analytics in healthcare.

Chapter 3: Genetics and Medical Applications

This section explores the intersection of genetics, medical applications, and the ethical concerns that arise from them.

The second video addresses the ethical challenges posed by genetic research and the use of medical applications, focusing on privacy and policy considerations.