Lab supply companies have been selling antibodies using manipulated images
A researcher has discovered that lab supply companies are frequently using manipulated images to market commercial antibodies. These manipulations, which include removing background noise or fabricating data, mirror the types of misconduct that typically lead to academic paper retractions.
Why it matters
The widespread use of fraudulent marketing images undermines the integrity of biological research that relies on these commercial products.
Not what they seem? Lab supply companies have been selling antibodies using manipulated images Image changes that would get a paper retracted are widespread among suppliers.
17 Gorgeous images like these, showing the location of proteins within cells, often depend on commercial antibodies. Credit: Nicola Ferrari Gorgeous images like these, showing the location of proteins within cells, often depend on commercial antibodies. Credit: Nicola Ferrari Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Antibodies play a central role in your body’s immune defense. But they’re also nearly ubiquitous in biological research, being essential for several widely used lab techniques. While some researchers need to go through the process of producing their own antibodies, antibodies to many key proteins are commercially available and can be ordered for overnight delivery.
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