Corrupt Cultures: Cheating In Science And Society

This book explores the harm caused by cheating in Science, focusing on three disasters in cell culture. It provides an overview of plant, animal, and human cheating, examines the nature of originality, and offers advice to young scientists and suggestions for reducing fraud. The text is unusual in focusing on three well-documented cases and recommends that journals require independent repetition of claims that seem too good to be true.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2021
Publisher: World Scientific Europe Ltd

This book delves into the pervasive issue of cheating in science and its detrimental consequences, particularly focusing on three tragic incidents in cell culture that sparked international concern and personal tragedies for the perpetrators. It provides a comprehensive overview of cheating across plant, animal, and human domains, serving as a foundation for the heightened emphasis on science. To uphold the integrity of scientific claims, a unique standard of truth emerges, necessitating repetitive verification in independent laboratories to confirm their validity. The exploration of originality in art and science sheds light on the nuanced nature of creativity and innovation. An earnest attempt is made to uncover the background and motivations behind scientific cheating, with the understanding that it will ultimately be exposed, leading to scandal. Practical advice is offered to aspiring scientists, while suggestions are made to mitigate fraud in science through increased regulation and supervision. The need for revisions in regulations and assessment criteria for originality is emphasized, along with a thorough review of journal publication processes to prevent the dissemination of fabricated data.

This text stands out for its singular focus on three well-documented cases, raising concerns about the inadequate scrutiny applied to the data before their publication in high-impact journals. Journals should adopt a more rigorous approach, mandating independent repetition of claims that appear too extraordinary to be true. This book holds immense value for young scientists, historians of science, and editors of scientific journals, offering valuable insights into the intricacies of scientific practices and the importance of maintaining the integrity of scientific research. Additionally, it can captivate a broader audience, providing a fascinating glimpse into the workings of science and its potential shortcomings.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786345608