Science sleuths are using technology to find fakery and plagiarism in published research

David at his home in Pontypridd, Wales, on Jan 26, 2024. David is a scientist-sleuth who detects image manipulation in published scientific papers. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute announced it is requesting six retractions and 31 corrections of scientific papers after he flagged problems in a recent blog post. — Sholto David via AP

Allegations of research fakery at a leading cancer centre have turned a spotlight on scientific integrity and the amateur sleuths uncovering image manipulation in published research.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, announced Jan 22 it’s requesting retractions and corrections of scientific papers after a British blogger flagged problems in early January.