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News from CRIS: Exploring Gold-Standard Science

June 16, 2025

Top Takeaways:

  • Not all studies are equal because the quality of the experimental design matters.
  • Strong studies use clear questions and human-relevant methods.
  • Good science requires resources such as time, funding, and expertise.
  • One study isn’t sufficient to draw definitive conclusions on an ingredient or technology. We need to examine the entire body of evidence to make informed decisions.

What is a research or scientific study?

When researchers talk about studies, research, or papers, they’re typically referring to a research paper written by scientists and published in a peer-reviewed academic journal that explains what they investigated, how they did it, and what they found.

These studies follow a step-by-step approach known as the scientific method. The scientific method is the process that helps researchers ask meaningful questions and find reliable answers. Here’s what that frequently looks like:

  1. Ask a question: It all starts with curiosity. Scientists begin by asking a focused question, such as, “Does this chemical ingredient cause liver toxicity?”
  2. Conduct background work: Before jumping into experiments, researchers read the scientific literature digging into what’s already known. They read past studies to avoid reinventing the wheel.
  3. Form a hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated prediction. Essentially, it’s a statement like: If this chemical damages DNA, then it will cause cancer.
  4. Test it out: Scientists design experiments to test whether their hypothesis can be proven or disproven. These can be lab experiments, clinical trials, or other types of research.
  5. Analyze the results: Once scientists have gathered data, they crunch the numbers to see if their hypothesis was right, or if it needs to be rethought.
  6. Draw conclusions: Based on the data, researchers figure out what their findings mean and how they fit into the bigger picture.
  7. Write it all down: The results and interpretations are carefully documented in a paper, explaining what was studied, how it was conducted, and the outcome.
  8. Submit it, get it reviewed, and published: Before it’s published, the study is sent to a relevant academic journal to see if they will publish the results. If the journal wants to publish the paper, it will then be reviewed by other scientists (peers). If they agree that the study was well-designed and the conclusions are supported by the data, it gets published in a scientific journal.

The above process may sound long and detailed, because it is long and detailed. Ideally, the process helps to ensure scientific findings are accurate, trustworthy, and not just based on opinion or one-off results (called artifacts).

What makes a research study good or “gold-standard”?

There are many characteristics that define quality research studies. We’ve identified the main characteristics we look for at CRIS when making study quality determinations.

  • Clear research question: A strong study starts with a well-defined question. Whether it’s “Does this food additive pose a risk to human health?” or “At what dose do effects occur?” Research question clarity guides everything else.
  • Appropriate study design for the question: Different questions require different approaches. A study assessing immediate chemical toxicity might use animal models or cell cultures, while long-term effects in humans may require epidemiological studies. The best studies match design to purpose.
  • Relevant dose levels: In food and ingredient safety toxicology, the dose makes the poison. Excellent studies use doses that are relevant to real-world exposure levels, not just unrealistically high amounts that may skew conclusions.
  • Adequate sample size: Studies require a sufficient number of participants (or animals) to detect real effects. Too small a sample increases the risk of false positives or negatives. Good studies are resourced to provide meaningful results.
  • Control groups and comparison: A valid control group is crucial. For example, studies compare exposed groups to those not exposed (or exposed to different doses) to help isolate the true effects of an ingredient.
  • Replicant experiments and reproducibility: Can the same scientists reproduce the results of the experiment? Can other outside scientists repeat the study and get similar results? Replicant experiments and reproducibility help confirm findings and build confidence in safety assessments.
  • Transparency and full reporting: A top-tier study will disclose its methodology, data, limitations, and funding sources. Hidden methods or cherry-picked data erode trust.
  • Contextual relevance: Does the study reflect how we actually encounter the ingredient, for example, through diet, environment, or consumer products? If not, its relevance to safety may be limited.
  • Integration into the Weight of Evidence: No single study stands alone. The best research contributes to a broader picture as part of a cumulative weight of evidence that regulatory agencies and scientists use to draw safety conclusions.
  • Peer review and publication in a credible journal: Although imperfect, peer review remains an important check. Studies published in established, reputable journals undergo evaluation by other scientists working in the same area or field of science.

Is one robust or “gold-standard” study enough to determine safety and make sweeping changes?

At CRIS, we believe that determining safety requires researchers and knowledgeable policymakers to engage with the Weight of Evidence process to make decisions.

One well-done and relevant study may hold more weight when conducting the Weight of Evidence process than other studies, but quality research should be viewed holistically to determine safety and not simply individually, because no one research paper can fully account for all of the variables that must be taken into consideration.

Why do high-quality research studies matter?

Not all science is created equal, and in a world of viral headlines, the quality of the study behind the claim makes all the difference.

Whether you’re a consumer, parent, health professional, or policymaker, decisions about food and chemical ingredient safety affect our everyday lives. From the products on our grocery shelves to the policies that protect public health, we all depend on strong science to make smart choices.

What else do I need to know about quality research studies?

High-quality research isn’t quick or easy. It’s a lengthy and detailed process that takes months, and frequently years, to complete.

Behind every quality published study are scientists who spend countless hours:

  • Designing thoughtful, focused research questions
  • Conducting experiments or collecting data
  • Analyzing results
  • Writing up findings clearly and accurately
  • Submitting to journals and undergoing peer review, where other experts challenge and assess the work

In short, good science takes time, resources, and deep expertise.

That’s why one quick study or headline shouldn’t drive panic or policy change. Real scientific knowledge is built slowly, through careful, repeated work that prioritizes accuracy and consensus over speed.

The good news.

You don’t need to be a scientist to think like one. By understanding the basics of research and the Weight of Evidence approach, you gain the tools to look beyond headlines and ask relevant questions.

And, you don’t need every answer, but having a high-level understanding helps you make informed choices, spot red flags, and avoid being swayed by fear or hype.

If you have any questions about ingredients or ideas for a blog post, please send us an email or submit your idea to us at go.msu.edu/cris-idea.

 

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