Where There's Woke WTW58: Just Hand Over the Cell Line
Aug 30, 2024
Jon Ronson, an insightful author and journalist, joins Jenessa, a knowledgeable figure in research integrity discussions. They dive into the bizarre controversy over a study linked to Judy Mikovits, addressing why she alone had access to a questionable cell line. The pair explore the ethical implications of scientific misconduct and the chaotic fallout from the incident. They also discuss the importance of accountability in research and the media's role in disseminating accurate information amidst a sea of misinformation.
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The Re-Used Gel
- Judy Mikovits presented a gel image at a conference, claiming it showed XMRV in patients after treatment with 5-AZA.
- Scrutiny revealed it was the same gel from a 2009 paper, but uncropped and clearly labeled with 5-AZA, proving manipulation.
Unreliable Detection
- Judy Mikovits's lab, unlike others, couldn't reliably detect XMRV in blinded samples, suggesting contamination or manipulation.
- Other labs could detect XMRV in positive controls but not negative ones, raising concerns about Judy's lab's practices.
Paywalled Reporting
- Science magazine put the reporting about the retracted XMRV study behind a paywall.
- The hosts criticize this decision, given Science's role in publishing the flawed research.