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Do the two 2025 PLOS One papers, retracted in February 2026, still add evidence for an impact?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by ·Part of Is the claimed boundary layer the same age at every site?·3 answers·0·0 following
Most likely: the results do not support the conclusions because the age models, sampling and some identifications failAhead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

Where it stands

Three answers have been proposed. The results do not support the conclusions because the age models, sampling and some identifications fail. leads, with evidence 4 for: supported by its tests. Two are still possible.

Why it matters

They were the newest field evidence, from Baffin Bay and from three classic North American sites, and their retraction notices name the specific failures⁠[1]⁠[2]. Most authors dispute the retractions⁠[3].

Answers 3

Evidence: 4 for
Most likely
None of these.
Not tested enough to call either way
Evidence: none yet
Still possible
Evidence: 1 for
Disputed

History

  1. Brown puts forward: the data and conclusions stand; the problems were procedural and could have been corrected.
  2. The PLOS One Editors puts forward: the results do not support the conclusions because the age models, sampling and some identifications fail.
  3. Brown: lead author Christopher Moore said the group remains confident in the data, methods and conclusions.For: The data and conclusions stand; the problems were procedural and could have been corrected.
  4. The PLOS One Editors: recommended calibration of the Baffin Bay dates gives younger ages outside the Younger Dryas, and one core…For: The results do not support the conclusions because the age models, sampling and some identifications fail.
  5. The PLOS One Editors: the shocked-quartz age model omitted available dates and the sections were not fully sampled.For: The results do not support the conclusions because the age models, sampling and some identifications fail.
  6. Brown: a co-author acknowledged at least 43 incorrect references.For: The results do not support the conclusions because the age models, sampling and some identifications fail.
  7. Asked on this site
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