All articles tagged with #scientific integrity
An associate editor at Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience resigned, alleging that the publisher’s AI-driven reviewer invitation system (AIRA) undermines editorial control and risks compromising the peer-review process; the publisher says editors retain discretion and is reviewing the incident, while some editors report mixed experiences with AI automation, which the publisher argues can speed up review when used with human oversight.
Researchers documented 127 problematic images in Thermo Fisher's antibody catalogue, finding more than 100 manipulated images—ranging from duplicated western blot bands to painted backgrounds and identical blot backdrops. The findings contribute to ongoing concerns about the reliability of commercial antibodies; Thermo Fisher says it is conducting an internal review and will inform users when images have been optimized for presentation.
A Nature feature argues that retracting papers due to honest errors should be normalized to protect the scientific record, sharing stories like Nicole King’s Science retraction, noting incentives such as the Ctrl-Z Award, and emphasizing supportive, calm collaboration among researchers and journals to reduce stigma and encourage transparent corrections.
A chemistry researcher had 35 papers retracted within 24 months for a mix of issues including major errors in analyses, compromised peer review, image-related problems, and citation manipulation. Most retractions appeared in Elsevier- and Royal Society of Chemistry–published journals, placing the scientist on Retraction Watch’s leaderboard. Coauthors have defended the work as a matter of presentation rather than fraudulent data.
A group of former NIH scientists and administrators have resigned in protest, citing political interference, censorship, and undermining of scientific integrity by the current administration, which they believe threatens public health, scientific progress, and democratic freedoms.
The article discusses the risks of bias, hallucinations, and opacity in AI systems used in health research, highlighting how these issues threaten the reliability and trustworthiness of medical data and findings, and proposing solutions like transparency and better oversight to mitigate these risks.
Two chemists warn that AI-generated molecular structures are often incorrect, which could harm chemistry education and scientific accuracy, calling for a ban on AI use for chemical representations until the technology improves.
The publisher Taylor & Francis is investigating a paper claiming DNA contamination in COVID-19 vaccines after concerns were raised on PubPeer, just as the CDC committee is set to review vaccine safety, with the authors suggesting their findings will be discussed in upcoming meetings. The study's methods and references have been questioned, highlighting issues with the measurement techniques and regulatory compliance, raising broader concerns about peer review and scientific accuracy.
Susan Monarez, the former CDC director, is set to testify before the Senate that she was fired for upholding scientific integrity, amid disputes over vaccine policy and political interference under Secretary Kennedy. The hearing will also feature former CDC officials criticizing politicization of science, highlighting tensions within public health leadership.
Over 85 leading climate scientists criticized the Trump Energy Department's recent climate assessment for lacking scientific integrity, alleging it misrepresents current climate science, relies on debunked research, and is biased towards a particular policy stance, prompting over 2,000 public comments.
A team of computer scientists developed an AI-based classifier to identify questionable open access scientific journals, which often prioritize fees over editorial quality, aiming to combat the proliferation of predatory publishing and improve scientific integrity.
A new report warns that while astronomy has largely avoided scientific fraud, the rise of criminal organizations producing fake research could threaten the integrity of scientific literature, especially as space research grows and AI is used to generate fake papers, potentially polluting the field and hindering genuine scientific progress.
Scientists criticize US Energy Secretary Chris Wright's plan to 'update' and potentially alter the authoritative climate crisis reports, raising concerns about political interference and misinformation, as the Trump administration seeks to downplay climate change impacts and roll back regulations.
Two high-ranking NOAA officials involved in the investigation of the 2019 'Sharpiegate' incident have been placed on administrative leave, amid broader concerns about political interference and the erosion of scientific independence under the Trump administration, which has implemented significant budget cuts and policy changes affecting the agency's mission and integrity.
Two senior NOAA officials involved in the investigation of the Sharpiegate scandal, which questioned the agency's scientific integrity during President Trump's first term, have been placed on leave amid unclear reasons, raising concerns about the agency's stability and future policies.