Plain language
Research
glossary
Terms that help readers ask better questions of the literature.
- Peptide
- A short chain of amino acids. In research, a peptide’s name identifies a subject of study; it does not describe an offer or a proven outcome.
- Mechanism
- A proposed biological process that may explain an observation. Mechanism is a hypothesis until supported by appropriate evidence.
- Biomarker
- A measured feature of biology, such as a blood value or imaging result. A biomarker is not always the same as a meaningful health outcome.
- Randomized controlled trial
- A study design that assigns participants to comparison groups to reduce some sources of bias.
- External validity
- How well a study’s findings may apply beyond its participants, setting, and design.
- Evidence level
- A plain-language description of how consistently and directly a body of research answers a question.
- Research use
- A description of a study context, not a claim that a reader should use a substance or follow a method.
- Compounding
- The preparation of a substance by a pharmacy under applicable rules. Eterna Femme does not operate a pharmacy or supply substances.