$npx -y skills add K-Dense-AI/scientific-agent-skills --skill hypothesis-generationStructured hypothesis formulation from observations. Use when you have experimental observations or data and need to formulate testable hypotheses with predictions, propose mechanisms, and design experiments to test them. Follows scientific method framework. For open-ended ideati
| 1 | # Scientific Hypothesis Generation |
| 2 | |
| 3 | ## Overview |
| 4 | |
| 5 | Hypothesis generation is a systematic process for developing testable explanations. Formulate evidence-based hypotheses from observations, design experiments, explore competing explanations, and develop predictions. Apply this skill for scientific inquiry across domains. |
| 6 | |
| 7 | ## When to Use This Skill |
| 8 | |
| 9 | This skill should be used when: |
| 10 | - Developing hypotheses from observations or preliminary data |
| 11 | - Designing experiments to test scientific questions |
| 12 | - Exploring competing explanations for phenomena |
| 13 | - Formulating testable predictions for research |
| 14 | - Conducting literature-based hypothesis generation |
| 15 | - Planning mechanistic studies across scientific domains |
| 16 | |
| 17 | ## Visual Enhancement with Scientific Schematics |
| 18 | |
| 19 | **⚠️ MANDATORY: Every hypothesis generation report MUST include at least 1-2 AI-generated figures using the scientific-schematics skill.** |
| 20 | |
| 21 | This is not optional. Hypothesis reports without visual elements are incomplete. Before finalizing any document: |
| 22 | 1. Generate at minimum ONE schematic or diagram (e.g., hypothesis framework showing competing explanations) |
| 23 | 2. Prefer 2-3 figures for comprehensive reports (mechanistic pathway, experimental design flowchart, prediction decision tree) |
| 24 | |
| 25 | **How to generate figures:** |
| 26 | - Use the **scientific-schematics** skill to generate AI-powered publication-quality diagrams |
| 27 | - Simply describe your desired diagram in natural language |
| 28 | - Nano Banana Pro will automatically generate, review, and refine the schematic |
| 29 | |
| 30 | **How to generate schematics:** |
| 31 | ```bash |
| 32 | python scripts/generate_schematic.py "your diagram description" -o figures/output.png |
| 33 | ``` |
| 34 | |
| 35 | The AI will automatically: |
| 36 | - Create publication-quality images with proper formatting |
| 37 | - Review and refine through multiple iterations |
| 38 | - Ensure accessibility (colorblind-friendly, high contrast) |
| 39 | - Save outputs in the figures/ directory |
| 40 | |
| 41 | **When to add schematics:** |
| 42 | - Hypothesis framework diagrams showing competing explanations |
| 43 | - Experimental design flowcharts |
| 44 | - Mechanistic pathway diagrams |
| 45 | - Prediction decision trees |
| 46 | - Causal relationship diagrams |
| 47 | - Theoretical model visualizations |
| 48 | - Any complex concept that benefits from visualization |
| 49 | |
| 50 | For detailed guidance on creating schematics, refer to the scientific-schematics skill documentation. |
| 51 | |
| 52 | --- |
| 53 | |
| 54 | ## Workflow |
| 55 | |
| 56 | Follow this systematic process to generate robust scientific hypotheses: |
| 57 | |
| 58 | ### 1. Understand the Phenomenon |
| 59 | |
| 60 | Start by clarifying the observation, question, or phenomenon that requires explanation: |
| 61 | |
| 62 | - Identify the core observation or pattern that needs explanation |
| 63 | - Define the scope and boundaries of the phenomenon |
| 64 | - Note any constraints or specific contexts |
| 65 | - Clarify what is already known vs. what is uncertain |
| 66 | - Identify the relevant scientific domain(s) |
| 67 | |
| 68 | ### 2. Conduct Comprehensive Literature Search |
| 69 | |
| 70 | Search existing scientific literature to ground hypotheses in current evidence. Use both PubMed (for biomedical topics) and general web search (for broader scientific domains): |
| 71 | |
| 72 | **For biomedical topics:** |
| 73 | - Use WebFetch with PubMed URLs to access relevant literature |
| 74 | - Search for recent reviews, meta-analyses, and primary research |
| 75 | - Look for similar phenomena, related mechanisms, or analogous systems |
| 76 | |
| 77 | **For all scientific domains:** |
| 78 | - Use WebSearch to find recent papers, preprints, and reviews |
| 79 | - Search for established theories, mechanisms, or frameworks |
| 80 | - Identify gaps in current understanding |
| 81 | |
| 82 | **Search strategy:** |
| 83 | - Begin with broad searches to understand the landscape |
| 84 | - Narrow to specific mechanisms, pathways, or theories |
| 85 | - Look for contradictory findings or unresolved debates |
| 86 | - Consult `references/literature_search_strategies.md` for detailed search techniques |
| 87 | |
| 88 | ### 3. Synthesize Existing Evidence |
| 89 | |
| 90 | Analyze and integrate findings from literature search: |
| 91 | |
| 92 | - Summarize current understanding of the phenomenon |
| 93 | - Identify established mechanisms or theories that may apply |
| 94 | - Note conflicting evidence or alternative viewpoints |
| 95 | - Recognize gaps, limitations, or unanswered questions |
| 96 | - Identify analogies from related systems or domains |
| 97 | |
| 98 | ### 4. Generate Competing Hypotheses |
| 99 | |
| 100 | Devel |