The walls were as quiet as ever. Warmth and protection radiated from them, but all went in vain against Ourelia’s boredom. She had been counting the days, as patiently as someone could, for the past 14 years. Every day presented the meticulous, yet mechanically planned, cellular routine in the same way. She would tend to the daily tasks by nibbling on the required nutrients and oxygen. She would then move on to cook some much-needed proteins and try to find some fun in watching the machine churn out strings of amino-acids.

Jack: That, my dear Algy, is the whole truth pure and simple.
Algernon: The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
—  Oscar Wilde in The Importance of Being Earnest

In a series of articles, Research Matters tries to explain the commonly accepted process of scientific methodology, the interpretation of scientific studies and the obvious pitfalls. It is hoped that this series will help lay public in analysing any understanding published scientific studies for what they are, instead of believing just because ‘scientists say so’. This article is the first in the series.

It was a perfect day. The sun was at its best—scorching enough to warm your face but not your tea. Sperman stretched himself and sat in his bed, curled up among his blankets, looking through the window. Outside, people were still finding their way to their respective destinations. He remembered his first day’s meal and the long nap that had followed. Those were the days. He highly doubted if he could ever be that carefree again.

It had all started when Sertoli reappeared the day after his previous instruction overload.

Sperman helped himself to a short break. He had tirelessly divided and divided for the last couple of days, that he had lost sight of where he was! Feeling thoroughly drained, he looked around hoping to find someone to ask for help. But, no one seemed to be bothered!