If they bear out, it would

If larger studies bear out this initial finding, valproic acid would be the first drug for AIDS dementia, Gelbard says.
(Scientific American Mind; Volume 17, Number 4; Stopping HIV Dementia)

How would it change the meaning if I said:

"If larger studies bear out this initial finding, valproic acid will be the first drug for AIDS dementia."

Thanks.

It changes in that "will" sounds as if you believe it is more likely to happen.

If England win the World Cup I'll be happy (optimistic, I believe it's possible)
If England won the Worlc Cup I'd be happy (speaking only hypothetically as I don't think it is likely - a realist!)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MartinEnglish

It changes in that "will" sounds as if you believe it is more likely to happen.

If England win the World Cup I'll be happy (optimistic, I believe it's possible)
If England won the Worlc Cup I'd be happy (speaking only hypothetically as I don't think it is likely - a realist!)

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Why doesn't the original sentence read as follows then: "If larger studies bore out this initial finding, valproic acid would be the first drug for AIDS dementia."?

Thanks.

Because larger studies haven't happened yet but it's pretty certain that they will take place. What is not certain is the outcome of the studies.

Is "would" here past form of "will"?
Is "would" can be use to express possibility in the future?
What kind of the above sentence? Is it a conditional sentence?
Thanks.