Ethics

Recent articles

Stories about scientific misconduct, retractions, debates over research standards, and more

Illustration of two hands of different colors holding up a piece of paper together.

Creating a more inclusive autism research community

The Transmitter rounds up efforts to improve equity and diversity both within the field and in research projects.

By Daisy Yuhas
22 August 2024 | 2 min read
Research image of a brain chimera containing neurons from rats and mice.
Ethics Microphone

Is it time to worry about brain chimeras?

Brains made of neurons from two species raise new concerns.

By Joshua R. Sanes
5 August 2024 | 9 min listen
an illustration of scientists parachuting

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.

By Linda Nordling
6 June 2024 | 11 min read
A stack of papers with a red paper on top.

‘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.

By Calli McMurray
5 April 2024 | 3 min read
Image of a red rectangle against a gray background.
Ethics Microphone

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.

By Brendan Borrell
2 April 2024 | 6 min listen
Photograph of a cuttlefish underwater.
Policy Microphone

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.

By Calli McMurray
13 March 2024 | 10 min listen
two people sit on opposite edges of a cliff

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.

By Cathleen O’Grady
7 March 2024 | 3 min read
A stack of papers with red tape.

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.

By Calli McMurray
29 February 2024 | 2 min read
An illustration of a hand holding a magnifying glass

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.

By Calli McMurray
7 February 2024 | 6 min read
An image of the DSM-5-TR where the S is replaced with a dollar sign

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.

By Elissa Welle
10 January 2024 | 5 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows

The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.

By Calli McMurray
6 September 2024 | 5 min read
Capitol building
Spectrum Microphone

In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope

The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.

By Rachel Zamzow
5 September 2024 | 5 min listen
Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.

Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects

The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.

By Olivia Gieger
4 September 2024 | 6 min read