In 1747, there were many conflicting ideas and questions without answers about the cure for scurvy, a lethal kind of disease at the time. James Lind, surgeon of the Scottish navy, decided to face such an uncertainty by subjecting his patients to a clinical study, in order to compare six possible remedies. This experimentation showed that oranges and lemons were by far the best cure. His work not only saved the life of his ship's sailors, but also laid the foundations for modern clinical trials (randomized and controlled), as we know them today.

This is the reason why Lind's adventure starts the informative video on independent clinical research, realized by the European Communication Research Awareness Needs (ECRAN). The European project ECRAN, coordinated by the Istituto Mario Negri of Milan, in collaboration with eminent international partners, aims to disseminate information on independent clinical research within European citizens, through the realization of different kinds of informative and educational products. The cartoon produced by the project only lasts 5 minutes, is translated in 23 languages, is highly funny and captivating, and helps the public to understand the procedures followed during a clinical trial. International and independent clinical trials represent a fundamental contribute to clinical research, in order to find proper response on diagnosis, operations and prognosis.

[video: http://vimeo.com/69337236#at=0]