The scope of medical research is limited by the specialty of the researchers and the focus of the organization providing funding. Medical researchers present a narrow hypotheses, on a specific chronic disease or issue, in a study which complies with the scientific method, and is likely to yield a positive finding that can be published. Positive outcomes are favored over negative outcomes, because of the reluctance of researchers and editors to publish negative outcomes; and the requirement of publish or perish. The quantity and complexity of medical knowledge continues to expand, and is being confused with the quality of medical knowledge.

Medical research would benefit by first reviewing what is already known across medical specialties and the veterinary literature, and formulating a hypothesis to find causes and cures—rather than random searching, hoping an answer will reveal itself. It is not necessary to repeat the same studies dozens of times, continuing to find the same infectious pathogens—it is time to propose causes, broaden the scope of research, and research better means for the practitioner to diagnose and treat patients with infectious pathogens that cause chronic diseases.