It appears paradoxical that science is producing outstanding new results and
theories at a rapid rate at the same time that researchers are identifying
serious problems in the practice of science that cause many reports to be
irreproducible and invalid. Certainly the practice of science needs to be
improved and scientists are now pursuing this goal. However, in this
perspective we argue that this seeming paradox is not new, has always been part
of the way science works, and likely will remain so. We first introduce the
paradox. We then review a wide range of challenges that appear to make
scientific success difficult. Next, we describe the factors that make science
work-in the past, present, and presumably also in the future. We then suggest
that remedies for the present practice of science need to be applied
selectively so as not to slow progress, and illustrate with a few examples. We
conclude with arguments that communication of science needs to emphasize not
just problems but the enormous successes and benefits that science has brought
and is now bringing to all elements of modern society.Comment: 3 figure