A flashy methodology refers to a research approach that emphasizes complex, novel, or visually appealing techniques, often using advanced technologies, but lacks scientific rigor, clinical relevance, or proper validation.

• Overuse of buzzwords (e.g., AI, connectomics, deep learning) without clear justification.
• Emphasis on visuals, 3D renderings, or animations that distract from poor methodological substance.
• Absence of:
  • Ground truth validation
  • Clinical outcome correlation
  • Transparent reproducibility
• Frequently seen in proof-of-concept studies with weak statistical or anatomical grounding.

• Risks misleading clinicians or researchers into overestimating the utility of unproven tools.
• Encourages publication bias toward novelty over robustness.
• Contributes to the “innovation without application” trend in translational science.