But the point is that Institutional Science and Meme Science can reach the same end through different routes: a claim is made, it is evaluated empirically, and a conclusion is finally drawn. In this, LK-99 represents a distinct engine of scientific progress that is anarchic, radically participatory, and unprecious about institutional authority.
It might also take the path of Cold Fusion where a legion of true believers keeps the flame alive for years or decades. See
The 'Standard Model' is considered a historical artifact in those circles, as though we are already long past it and have access to a completely new set of physics laws that allow the conversion of one thing into another by the mere application of some light (usually lasers) or some sound (a bit tainted now) to get you to fusion. Papers are written (and published, though usually in very low impact publications), funding is sought (I get these proposals with some regularity) and symposia are organized, true believer pass required. It really baffles me.
Note that wishful thinking is a very strong component in pathological science and explicitly mentioned on that wikipedia page. This very much sits in line with my experience with 'the fringe' when they're trying to get funded for yet another decade of inevitable failure.
