Ethics

Stories about scientific misconduct, retractions, debates over research standards, and more

an illustration of scientists parachuting

The perils of parachute research

Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.

By Linda Nordling
6 June 2024 | 11 min read
A stack of papers with a red paper on top.

‘Star’ neuroscientist faked data in paper and grant applications, U.S. government finds

The faked data, which was part of research on the genetic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, was used to obtain more than $1.4 million in federal funding.

By Calli McMurray
5 April 2024 | 3 min read
Image of a red rectangle against a gray background.
Ethics Microphone

FDA describes ‘objectionable conditions’ at New York State Psychiatric Institute

The facility’s institutional review board failed to report a 2021 incident and “serious and ongoing noncompliance” by a principal investigator, according to a letter released by the federal agency this week.

By Brendan Borrell
2 April 2024 | 6 min listen
Photograph of a cuttlefish underwater.
Policy Microphone

Knowledge gaps in cephalopod care could stall welfare standards

The U.S. National Institutes of Health wants to regulate research involving cephalopods. But there aren’t enough rigorous studies to base the regulations on, veteran cephalopod researchers say.

By Calli McMurray
13 March 2024 | 10 min listen
two people sit on opposite edges of a cliff

Spectrum 10K consultation report delayed

The U.K.-based genetics study launched the consultation more than a year ago in response to fierce criticism from autistic self-advocates.

By Cathleen O’Grady
7 March 2024 | 3 min read
A stack of papers with red tape.

Autism journal retracts speech-recognition paper, pauses special issue

The journal’s publisher flagged problems in 11 papers that were part of a special issue on assistive technology in special education.

By Calli McMurray
29 February 2024 | 2 min read
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U.S. government requested inquiry into Alzheimer’s scientist over misconduct allegations

Gary Dunbar’s university ruled he was not guilty of research misconduct. Nine months later, the federal government demanded another look.

By Calli McMurray
7 February 2024 | 6 min read
An image of the DSM-5-TR where the S is replaced with a dollar sign

Physicians who oversaw diagnostic manual’s revision had pharma funding

Of the 92 U.S.-based physicians who worked on the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 55 of them have collectively received millions of dollars from drug and device companies, new research shows.

By Elissa Welle
10 January 2024 | 5 min read
Still from research video displaying wiring map of a fruit fly's brain.

Standout neuroscience news in 2023

Did you miss any of our favorite stories from the past year? Revisit them here.

By The Transmitter
27 December 2023 | 4 min read
An illustration of a stack of papers with a red line running through them

Scrutinized autism prediction paper retracted over problems in peer review

The paper is one of more than 8,000 that have been pulled by the publisher this year, after an investigation found evidence of manipulation in the publication and peer-review process.

By Calli McMurray
15 December 2023 | 3 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

New connectomes fly beyond the brain

Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.

By Laura Dattaro
26 July 2024 | 7 min read

Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman

A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.

By Cathleen O’Grady
25 July 2024 | 8 min read

Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing

The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.

By Angie Voyles Askham
24 July 2024 | 6 min read