This chapter explores the growing issue of scientific paper retractions, focusing on a notable case involving a science blogger's discovery of substantial errors at a leading US cancer institute. It examines the implications of this trend, raising important questions about research integrity and the accountability within the scientific community.
A record 10,000 research papers were retracted in 2023. In this episode from February 2024, Ian Sample speaks to Ivan Oransky, whose organisation Retraction Watch has been monitoring the growing numbers of retractions for more than a decade, and hears from blogger Sholto David, who made headlines this year when he spotted mistakes in research from a leading US cancer institute. Help support our independent journalism at
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