scientific-writing

Scientific Writing

Overview

This is the core skill for the deep research and writing tool—combining AI-driven deep research with well-formatted written outputs. Every document produced is backed by comprehensive literature search and verified citations through the research-lookup skill.

Scientific writing is a process for communicating research with precision and clarity. Write manuscripts using IMRAD structure, citations (APA/AMA/Vancouver), figures/tables, and reporting guidelines (CONSORT/STROBE/PRISMA). Apply this skill for research papers and journal submissions.

Critical Principle: Always write in full paragraphs with flowing prose. Never submit bullet points in the final manuscript. Use a two-stage process: first create section outlines with key points using research-lookup, then convert those outlines into complete paragraphs.

When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:

• Writing or revising any section of a scientific manuscript (abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion)
• Structuring a research paper using IMRAD or other standard formats
• Formatting citations and references in specific styles (APA, AMA, Vancouver, Chicago, IEEE)
• Creating, formatting, or improving figures, tables, and data visualizations
• Applying study-specific reporting guidelines (CONSORT for trials, STROBE for observational studies, PRISMA for reviews)
• Drafting abstracts that meet journal requirements (structured or unstructured)
• Preparing manuscripts for submission to specific journals
• Improving writing clarity, conciseness, and precision
• Ensuring proper use of field-specific terminology and nomenclature
• Addressing reviewer comments and revising manuscripts

Visual Enhancement with Scientific Schematics

⚠️ MANDATORY: Every scientific paper MUST include a graphical abstract plus 1-2 additional AI-generated figures using the scientific-schematics skill.

This is not optional. Scientific papers without visual elements are incomplete. Before finalizing any document:

1. ALWAYS generate a graphical abstract as the first visual element
2. Generate at minimum ONE additional schematic or diagram using scientific-schematics
3. Prefer 3-4 total figures for comprehensive papers (graphical abstract + methods flowchart + results visualization + conceptual diagram)

Graphical Abstract (REQUIRED)

Every scientific writeup MUST include a graphical abstract. This is a visual summary of your paper that:

• Appears before or immediately after the text abstract
• Captures the entire paper's key message in one image
• Is suitable for journal table of contents display
• Uses landscape orientation (typically 1200x600px)

Generate the graphical abstract FIRST:

python scripts/generate_schematic.py "Graphical abstract for [paper title]: [brief description showing workflow from input → methods → key findings → conclusions]" -o figures/graphical_abstract.png

Graphical Abstract Requirements:

• Content: Visual summary showing workflow, key methods, main findings, and conclusions
• Style: Clean, professional, suitable for journal TOC
• Elements: Include 3-5 key steps/concepts with connecting arrows or flow
• Text: Minimal labels, large readable fonts
• Log: [HH:MM:SS] GENERATED: Graphical abstract for paper summary

Additional Figures (GENERATE EXTENSIVELY)

⚠️ CRITICAL: Use BOTH scientific-schematics AND generate-image EXTENSIVELY throughout all documents.

Every document should be richly illustrated. Generate figures liberally - when in doubt, add a visual.

MINIMUM Figure Requirements:

| Document Type | Minimum | Recommended | |--------------|---------|-------------| | Research Papers | 5 | 6-8 | | Literature Reviews | 4 | 5-7 | | Market Research | 20 | 25-30 | | Presentations | 1/slide | 1-2/slide | | Posters | 6 | 8-10 | | Grants | 4 | 5-7 | | Clinical Reports | 3 | 4-6 |

Use scientific-schematics EXTENSIVELY for technical diagrams:

python scripts/generate_schematic.py "your diagram description" -o figures/output.png

• Study design and methodology flowcharts (CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE)
• Conceptual framework diagrams
• Experimental workflow illustrations
• Data analysis pipeline diagrams
• Biological pathway or mechanism diagrams
• System architecture visualizations
• Neural network architectures
• Decision trees, algorithm flowcharts
• Comparison matrices, timeline diagrams
• Any technical concept that benefits from schematic visualization

Use generate-image EXTENSIVELY for visual content:

python scripts/generate_image.py "your image description" -o figures/output.png

• Photorealistic illustrations of concepts
• Medical/anatomical illustrations
• Environmental/ecological scenes
• Equipment and lab setup visualizations
• Artistic visualizations, infographics
• Cover images, header graphics
• Product mockups, prototype visualizations
• Any visual that enhances understanding or engagement

The AI will automatically:

• Create publication-quality images with proper formatting
• Review and refine through multiple iterations
• Ensure accessibility (colorblind-friendly, high contrast)
• Save outputs in the figures/ directory

When in Doubt, Generate a Figure:

• Complex concept → generate a schematic
• Data discussion → generate a visualization
• Process description → generate a flowchart
• Comparison → generate a comparison diagram
• Reader benefit → generate a visual

For detailed guidance, refer to the scientific-schematics and generate-image skill documentation.

Core Capabilities

1. Manuscript Structure and Organization

IMRAD Format: Guide papers through the standard Introduction, Methods, Results, And Discussion structure used across most scientific disciplines. This includes:

• Introduction: Establish research context, identify gaps, state objectives
• Methods: Detail study design, populations, procedures, and analysis approaches
• Results: Present findings objectively without interpretation
• Discussion: Interpret results, acknowledge limitations, propose future directions

For detailed guidance on IMRAD structure, refer to references/imrad_structure.md.

Alternative Structures: Support discipline-specific formats including:

• Review articles (narrative, systematic, scoping)
• Case reports and case series
• Meta-analyses and pooled analyses
• Theoretical/modeling papers
• Methods papers and protocols

2. Section-Specific Writing Guidance

Abstract Composition: Craft concise, standalone summaries (100-250 words) that capture the paper's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. Support both structured abstracts (with labeled sections) and unstructured single-paragraph formats.

Introduction Development: Build compelling introductions that:

• Establish the research problem's importance
• Review relevant literature systematically
• Identify knowledge gaps or controversies
• State clear research questions or hypotheses
• Explain the study's novelty and significance

Methods Documentation: Ensure reproducibility through:

• Detailed participant/sample descriptions
• Clear procedural documentation
• Statistical methods with justification
• Equipment and materials specifications
• Ethical approval and consent statements

Results Presentation: Present findings with:

• Logical flow from primary to secondary outcomes
• Integration with figures and tables
• Statistical significance with effect sizes
• Objective reporting without interpretation

Discussion Construction: Synthesize findings by:

• Relating results to research questions
• Comparing with existing literature
• Acknowledging limitations honestly
• Proposing mechanistic explanations
• Suggesting practical implications and future research

3. Citation and Reference Management

Apply citation styles correctly across disciplines. For comprehensive style guides, refer to references/citation_styles.md.

**Major Citat