In 2025, Science retracted the GFAJ-1 study, which claimed that the bacterium incorporated arsenic into its DNA. The retraction was due to criticisms regarding flawed data, specifically improper purification of the bacterium’s genetic material. While some critics welcomed the decision, others questioned the timing, linking it to renewed media interest in researcher Wolfe-Simon. The journal’s editors stated that their criteria for retraction had changed since 2010. Although there was no allegation of fraud, they concluded that the foundational claims of the paper were based on serious flaws.
In 2025, Science retracts the GFAJ-1 study after criticism about flawed data, with editors noting the study's conclusions were based on improper purification of genetic material.
Critics celebrated the retraction while others questioned its timing, linking it to media attention on Wolfe-Simon, who is making a return to science.
The 2010 paper initially faced backlash, with Science publishing studies in 2012 refuting claims of arsenic in DNA, concluding GFAJ-1 is arsenic-tolerant.
Editors emphasized that while no fraud was suggested, the evolving criteria for retraction now includes serious flaws in scientific data.
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