Ethics
Stories about scientific misconduct, retractions, debates over research standards, and more
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.
![an illustration of scientists parachuting](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ParachuteProb-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.
‘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.
![A stack of papers with a red paper on top.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1200-brigidi-misconduct-publishing-transmitter-neuroscience-1-1024x683.webp)
‘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.
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.
![Image of a red rectangle against a gray background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FDA-letter-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.
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.
![Photograph of a cuttlefish underwater.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-inside_2-cephalopod-husbandry-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
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.
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.
![two people sit on opposite edges of a cliff](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Spectrum10Kautism-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.
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.
![A stack of papers with red tape.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-JADD-retraction-special-issue-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
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.
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.
![An illustration of a hand holding a magnifying glass](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-dunbar-retractions-2-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
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.
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.
![An image of the DSM-5-TR where the S is replaced with a dollar sign](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-DSM-5-conflict-of-interest-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
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.
Standout neuroscience news in 2023
Did you miss any of our favorite stories from the past year? Revisit them here.
![Still from research video displaying wiring map of a fruit fly's brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-2023-news-1024x683.webp)
Standout neuroscience news in 2023
Did you miss any of our favorite stories from the past year? Revisit them here.
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.
![An illustration of a stack of papers with a red line running through them](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1200_Spectrum_Corrections__Retractions_25-copy-1024x683.png)
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.
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.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.
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.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
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.
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
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.