The field of science is based on observation and evidence. Theories are made and tested, and conclusions are drawn. Ideas are supported by evidence. Since scientific research does not exist in a vacuum, it is shared with other scientists in the same field. Some of them will conduct the same research in the same manner as the original in an attempt to reproduce the same test results. These findings will also be published. In both cases, related or relevant research will be quoted in the article to support any theories or conclusions.
Scholarly communication is conducted in a number of ways. The most visible, and easily accessible, method is through the publication of books and journal articles based on scientific research and/or theory. In Biosis Previews alone, published articles have jumped to over 13 million records since 1969, with over 500,000 new citations added each year (source: www.biosis.org).
Scientists also share their research at local, regional, national or international conferences and proceedings. These conference/proceedings presentations are usually precursors to the published article. With the rapid advancement of computer technology, many of these journal articles and conferences/proceedings are available online, and many are full-text.
In addition, science disciplines have branched off into many different fields, some of them are inter-disciplinary. For example, biochemistry, astrophysics. They all have journals dedicated to their areas of interest. Some of the professional societies publish their own journals as well.
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