Source: TW
Notation/shorthand is unavoidable because while working at the edge of knowledge one is often playing with representations that are highly intricate and often abstract. However, part of this the problem of prestige journals which do not give enough space for a well-presented explanation which would take many more words. A layman often needs that background provided by those additional words for understanding technical stuff. Finally, while English is the dominant language of scientific communication today, many of the authors, including those from English-speaking nations are not very fluid in it.