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Science Journal Set to Retract Controversial Arsenic Study

2/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The journal Science is on the verge of retracting a contentious 2010 study by Felisa Wolfe-Simon, which suggested a bacterium could thrive on arsenic instead of phosphorus. Editor Holden Thorp believes retraction is necessary. After stepping back from the spotlight, Wolfe-Simon is making a comeback, securing a NASA grant for 2024.

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Story summary

The journal Science is on the verge of retracting a contentious 2010 study by Felisa Wolfe-Simon, which suggested a bacterium could thrive on arsenic instead of phosphorus. Editor Holden Thorp believes retraction is necessary. After stepping back from the spotlight, Wolfe-Simon is making a comeback, securing a NASA grant for 2024.