A microbiologist formerly of Osaka University has lost four papers, with at least one more retraction pending, after an institutional investigation found fabrication and falsification of data in his published research. The investigation found evidence of manipulated results in seven of the papers examined. The university published the notice of its completed inquiry, along with a full report in Japanese, on February 6, 2025.

The investigation report refers to the first and corresponding author of most of the papers, Hiramatsu, as "Dr. A". According to a machine translation of the report, he admitted to most of the research misconduct the investigation identified. "Dr. A" also acknowledged in interviews he was aware his actions constituted misconduct. Three articles in which the university found manipulated results were all published in Microbiology and Immunology, a Wiley title, and have yet to be retracted.

Source https://retractionwatch.com/2025/03/12/osaka-misconduct-investigation-leads-to-four-retractions-with-more-likely/

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