In 2017, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation launched the FocUS Archive, a preprint server dedicated to increasing transparency in focused ultrasound research. This initiative marked a significant stride toward achieving open science. Preprint servers provide a platform for the immediate sharing of findings, foster collaboration, and facilitate more rapid advancement of therapeutic technologies.
In this blog, we delve into the specifics of the FocUS Archive and share its impact on the focused ultrasound community through a Q&A:
What is a preprint server?
A preprint server is an online platform where researchers can share their manuscripts before they have been peer-reviewed and officially published. It enables the immediate dissemination of research findings, allowing for faster collaboration and feedback from the scientific community.
Why does the Foundation have its own preprint server?
In 2016, a Foundation-funded clinical trial investigating the efficacy of focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor (ET) demonstrated that the technology could very effectively treat ET with little to no side effects—a significant improvement on previous treatment outcomes. To publish this groundbreaking research, however, the researcher unfortunately had to abide by a nine-month publication embargo that delayed FDA approval and thus delayed life-changing treatments for many patients suffering with the debilitating disease. This flashpoint event became a call to action in the focused ultrasound community to improve openness and shift values: science and the patients had to come before individualistic journal concerns. As a result, the Foundation launched the FocUS Archive in partnership with the Center for Open Science.
Are people using the archive to access and read the preprints?
Yes. Since January 2019, the preprints on the archive have been downloaded over 16,000 times.
How can I access the preprint server?
The FocUS Archive can be accessed directly through the Center for Open Science’s Open Science Framework at osf.io/preprints/focusarchive. This platform houses the repository and facilitates easy access to the research findings.
Who can use the server? Is it only for researchers receiving funding from the Foundation?
While the FocUS Archive is particularly aimed at researchers within the focused ultrasound field, including those funded by the Foundation, it is an open-access platform; anyone can access the research published on it without a subscription or payment. This open-access model is crucial for broadening the reach of focused ultrasound research to a global audience, including researchers, clinicians, and patients interested in the latest developments in the field.
Can I comment on articles posted on the FocUS Archive? How?
Yes, the FocUS Archive, like other preprint platforms, allows for community feedback. Researchers and readers can engage with the content, offering comments and critiques that can help refine the research before formal publication. This process is facilitated through the Open Science Framework interface.
How does the FocUS Archive contribute to combating publication bias?
By providing a venue for the publication of all research findings, including negative and inconclusive results, the FocUS Archive helps counteract the traditional publication bias toward positive outcomes. This inclusivity is vital for a more accurate and complete scientific record, allowing researchers to learn from past experiments and avoid duplicative efforts. Read more about the importance of “negative data” and the role of preprint servers in this blog post.
Will using a preprint server affect my chances of getting published in a journal?
Many journals now accept manuscripts that have been shared on a preprint server. Preprints are given a digital object identifier, or “DOI,” allowing them to be cited just like published papers. Sharing your work on a preprint server like the FocUS Archive can actually enhance the visibility and impact of your research without jeopardizing journal publication.
How does having the FocUS Archive benefit the focused ultrasound field overall?
The FocUS Archive is a cornerstone of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s commitment to open science, aligning with its mission to accelerate the development and adoption of focused ultrasound therapies. By facilitating the swift sharing of research results, the archive aids in breaking down barriers to knowledge dissemination, thereby speeding up the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications that can improve patient care. It also provides focused ultrasound stakeholders with a wealth of public testimonials to the efficacy of the technology that they can leverage to accelerate its further development and adoption.
How does the preprint server solve the problem (mentioned in the second question of this Q&A) of delayed FDA approval due to publication embargoes?
By providing an open-access platform for the immediate sharing of research findings, the FocUS Archive directly addresses the problem of delayed FDA approval due to publication embargoes. This is because the preprint server allows for the rapid dissemination of results without the need to wait for peer review and publication in scientific journals, which can be subject to long delays due to embargoes. By making research findings available promptly, the FocUS Archive enables faster collaboration and feedback from the scientific community, potentially accelerating the process of regulatory review and approval. This is particularly crucial for groundbreaking treatments where delays can have significant impacts on patient care and outcomes. The server thus serves to prioritize the advancement of science and patient care over the prolonged publication processes that can hinder timely access to innovative therapies.
Tanner Riley is an intern at the Foundation, and will soon join the team full-time as a science communication specialist. Tanner graduated from Dartmouth College in 2022 with a BA in biology modified with neuroscience, with a concentration in neuroendocrinology, where he developed a passion for biology and a talent for communication