Brute-force chemistry study retracted

A notable 2011 chemistry study in which scientists reported a brawny method to break sturdy chemical structures has been retracted.

In the retraction notice, published in the Feb. 20 Science, Science editor in chief Marcia McNutt writes that 50 percent of the study’s figures were unreliable due to “uncertainty regarding the origin of data or the manner in which the data were processed.”  McNutt also notes that one of the study’s three authors was unreachable.

The retraction follows an expression of concern published June 27, 2014, and a finding of misconduct later that year.

Despite the retraction, many chemists report that the study’s findings have largely held up.

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