Conservative research

Generally, scientists occupy themselves with their longstanding research programs that follow previous ones.

But, this pattern can be disrupted by unexpected breakthroughs as a result of novel experimental findings. Anomalous experimental results lead to a surge in publications about possible interpretations and implications.

Since it is unclear in advance which research direction will yield results, scientific progress needs independent explorers. Sometimes a conventional path leads to an unexpected breakthrough, but more often, a traditional path leads to a traditional result.

Following new paths bring fresh ...