Crossword Genius

Group of prominent scientists support writer's blocks (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

barriers

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'blocks' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'group of prominent scientists support writer's' is the wordplay.
'group of prominent scientists' becomes 'RS' (Royal Society).
'support' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, some letters hold others up).
'writer' becomes 'barrie' (JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan).
'rs' put after 'barrie' is 'BARRIERS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for barriers that I've seen before include "Obstructions" , "Erections to control or impede advances" , "Obstacles to movement" , "Objects erected to control progress or access as by crowds" , "Obstacles designed to prevent advance or progress" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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