The word "theory" has a number of distinct meanings in different fields of knowledge, depending on the context and their methodologies. In common usage, people use the word "theory" to signify "conjecture", "speculation", or "opinion." In this sense, "theories" are opposed to "facts" — parts of the world, or claims about the world, that are real or true regardless of what people think.

In science, a theory is a proposed description, explanation, or model of the manner of interaction of a set of natural phenomena, capable of predicting future occurrences or observations of the same kind, and capable of being tested through experiment or otherwise falsified through empirical observation. It follows from this that for scientists "theory" and "fact" do not necessarily stand in opposition. For example, it is a fact that an apple dropped on earth has been observed to fall towards the center of the planet, and the theory which explains why the apple behaves so is the current theory of gravitation.

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Clinical Chemistry current issue

[Editorials] CSF Serine Enantiomers and Glycine in the Study of Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders
Hashimoto, K. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000

[Editorials] Saliva Analysis for Monitoring Dialysis and Renal Function
Nagler, R. M. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000

[Editorials] Coffee Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease: Paradoxical Effects on Biological Risk Factors versus Disease Incidence
van Dam, R. M. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000

[Perspective] Evaluating New Diagnostic Technologies: Perspectives in the UK and US
Price, C. P., Christenson, R. H. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000

[Mini-Review] Defining a Role for Novel Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Bonaca, M. P., Morrow, D. A. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Biomarkers play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Active investigation has brought forward an increasingly large number of novel candidate markers; however, few of these markers have yet to be incorporated into routine clinical use. Content: This review discusses biomarkers currently used in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. In this context, we assess the contemporary unmet needs for novel biomarkers in acute ischemic heart disease and the related challenges faced in developing new biomarkers to the point of integration into clinical practice. In particular, we address the impact of the availability of increasingly sensitive biomarkers of myocardial necrosis on the potential roles for novel biomarkers of inflammation, thrombosis, and ischemia. Summary: Although active investigation has produced a growing list of candidate novel biomarkers for the care of patients with cardiovascular disease, it has become increasingly challenging to find appreciable incremental clinical benefit for their addition to existing markers, in particular newer, more analytically sensitive cardiac troponin assays. A major challenge for researchers and clinicians will be to demonstrate whether candidate novel markers are useful in improving diagnosis and guiding clinical treatment.
[Review] Key Issues in the Developing Synergism between Cardiovascular Imaging and Biomarkers
Jaffe, A. S. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Sophisticated methods of cardiac imaging have the potential to revolutionize the care of patients with cardiovascular disease. The benefits of these state-of-the art imaging techniques can be enhanced by their use in combination with new cardiac biomarkers. This review addresses potentially useful interactions between imaging and biomarkers. Content: Areas were defined in which the combined use of novel imaging techniques and biomarkers would be most beneficial. This review addresses multiple cardiovascular conditions for which the useful aspects of imaging and biomarkers are likely to be positively synergistic, including acute and chronic ischemic heart disease, heart failure, myocarditis, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Conclusions: The synergistic use of imaging techniques and biomarkers will enhance the investigation of many key issues and questions and will be an important resource in the future.

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