Emerging research and publication concerns

Abstract

Honesty, transparency, and adherence to high ethical standards are essential to guide the development and execution of research projects.¹ Breaches in research integrity as well as scientific misconduct are periodically reported. In one recent incident, evidence of apparent image tampering was identified in a research paper by Lesné, et al. that had been published in Nature in 2006. This paper described findings that addressed the relationship between amyloid beta-protein and memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, this paper provided support for the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease.² Extended investigation of this incident revealed possible data tampering concerns in more than 20 papers authored by Lesnè.³ This incident remains under investigation.