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| Accusations Haunt Renowned Brain Tumor Researcher |
A respected Harvard scientist finds himself at the center of a storm, with allegations of image manipulation and fabrication tainting his research on deadly brain tumors.
Khalid Shah, a rising star in the field of glioblastoma treatment, faces accusations that 28 of his co-authored papers contain potentially doctored or copied images. This bombshell revelation, uncovered by science sleuth Elisabeth Bik, throws a dark cloud over Shah's promising career and raises crucial questions about academic integrity.
Bik, a microbiologist with a keen eye for irregularities, combed through 88 papers involving Shah and utilized sophisticated image analysis tools. Her findings are chilling: 28 studies, spanning over two decades, exhibit suspicious signs of manipulation, duplication, or errors. Shah, often listed as the first or corresponding author, implying direct involvement or responsibility, remains silent on the matter.
While Bik acknowledges that honest mistakes cannot be ruled out, the sheer volume and nature of the discrepancies suggest potential misconduct. One paper published in Nature Communications stands out - it borrows images from nearly a dozen sources, including competitors' work. Further investigation reveals unauthorized use of images from a commercial supplier, raising serious ethical concerns.
The situation at Harvard Medical School, where Shah holds a professorship, is tense. While acknowledging the importance of peer review, the institution emphasizes a "robust and confidential process" for addressing research integrity concerns. The school's past hasn't been spotless, with recent retractions and investigations involving other faculty members.
Experts like Matthew Schrag, a renowned neurologist, voice strong concerns. He supports Bik's observations and believes a thorough institutional review is essential. The scientific community awaits further developments, with journals like Nature Communications already examining the flagged studies.
Meanwhile, the impact on Shah's reputation and career remains unclear. His pioneering work on stem cell therapies for brain tumors, forming the basis for the startup Amasa Therapeutics, might also be affected.
