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Reference errors in microbiology literature: 'pyroptosis' and others

Susan L Fink1

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Trends in Microbiology
|November 22, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Scientific references are crucial for microbiology knowledge. This study highlights potential reference errors, using the term "pyroptosis" as an example to ensure accuracy in scientific literature.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Scientific Literature Analysis

Background:

  • Published references form the bedrock of scientific understanding in microbiology.
  • Accuracy in scientific citations is essential for maintaining the integrity of knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the prevalence and impact of reference errors in microbiology literature.
  • To illustrate how reference inaccuracies can affect scientific understanding, using a specific example.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the microbiology literature for citation accuracy.
  • Case study focusing on the origin and usage of the term 'pyroptosis'.

Main Results:

  • Identified instances of reference errors within the published microbiology literature.
  • Demonstrated how a specific term's origin, 'pyroptosis', can be subject to citation inaccuracies.

Conclusions:

  • Reference errors pose a risk to the cumulative nature of scientific knowledge.
  • Vigilance in citation practices is necessary to uphold the reliability of the scientific record.

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