LNTgate: How LNT benefited from editorial actions

Area of Science:

• Radiation genetics
• Scientific ethics
• Regulatory policy

Background:

• The linear non-threshold (LNT) dose-response model is foundational for radiation risk assessment.
• Concerns exist regarding the ethical and scientific integrity of its initial advocacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the ethical and scientific basis for the acceptance of the LNT model.
• To investigate the publication practices surrounding key papers supporting the LNT model.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of publication processes for four cornerstone papers on the LNT model.
• Review of editorial decisions and data accessibility related to these publications.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests unethical advocacy and advancement of the LNT model by scientists and editorial practices.
• Peer review was circumvented in at least two cases, and data from one key paper remain missing.
• Allegations of research record falsification exist for a paper co-authored by a senior editor of *Science*.

Conclusions:

• Foundational papers supporting major regulatory policy (LNT/cancer risk assessment) may lack scientific legitimacy.
• Retraction of these papers should be considered.
• These findings necessitate significant ethical reflection and enhanced rigor in scientific conduct and publication.