A nutrition researcher adds 30 mg of the mineral iron to the daily diet of 50 4-week-old laboratory mice.After ten weeks,the scientist takes blood samples from each mouse.According to his findings,the mice developed abnormal levels of certain enzymes in their red blood cells.Based on this information and your knowledge of scientific research,what would you tell him?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The researcher needs to redesign the study to include a control group to properly evaluate if the abnormal levels of enzymes are due to the added iron or other factors. This will enable the researcher to draw more accurate conclusions and make viable recommendations. It is also important to repeat the study or share the findings with other nutrition scientists, but redesigning the study should be done first. Submission to a peer-reviewed nutrition journal may be appropriate after the redesign. Public announcement without proper confirmation and analysis of the findings would be premature and irresponsible.

A Nutrition Researcher Adds 30 Mg of the Mineral Iron