Note: Do not confuse an abstract with a thesis. The thesis presents the main idea or question at hand. An abstract is a general overview of the paper, including methods and results.
This is where the topic of the study is introduced. It should define the objectives, importance, and context for the study. This is typically done in one or two sentences that tell of the overall topic and its significance. A clear-cut way of doing this is by associating the reason you carried out these experiments with your particular area of research. For example: “Artery biomechanics may play an important role during the development of atherosclerosis. Artery stiffness is used clinically to predict atherosclerosis risk; however, laboratory testing of whole arteries has produced ambiguous results. Atherosclerotic plaques extend through only part of the vessel wall; consequently, an accurate description of the biomechanics of atherosclerosis will require testing of local mechanical properties. ” (Biomedical Engineering: Method to Expose Arterial Sub endothelium for Indentation Testing by John M. Peloquin; Advisor: Cynthia Reinhart-King)
In one or two sentences, state the core question you are posing or relationship you are examining with this research. Take account of the hypothesis and objective or goal of the research. For example: “The mechanical properties of the intimal subendothelium likely change as atherosclerosis progresses. To facilitate testing this hypothesis, we sought to develop a method to remove artery endothelium and expose the intimal subendothelium for indentation testing. ”
Unfold the steps of your research in two to three self-explanatory sentences. There is no need to give ample detail; keep it brief and to-the-point. For example: “We evaluated and refined three methods from the literature: 1) filter paper imprinting, 2) soaking in saponin solution, and 3) gentle scraping with a cotton applicator. ”
In two to three sentences, clarify your findings from your research, through the steps you have taken. Be sure to only include the key points that concern the objective you have mentioned. For example: “Scanning electron microscopy and histology results show that scraping is the most effective method, achieving almost complete de-endothelialization. Immunohistochemistry experiments suggest that scraping specifically exposes the internal elastic lamina. ”
Put in a nutshell your findings about the general topic, question, or relationship in one or two sentences. Be clear in describing how the results have contributed to the domain of the paper’s content. For example: “Scraping is an effective and reproducible method to remove arterial endothelium and expose the intimal subendothelium. This result is an important prerequisite for high-resolution indentation testing to ascertain the role of subendothelial mechanics in atherosclerosis. ”
Under the title, include your name, institution you are a part of, and important contact information.
Try to consult a professor, colleague, classmate, or tutor in the field
