Publishing and evidence
Retraction
A formal withdrawal of a published paper because its findings should no longer be relied on.
What it means
Definition
Retraction. Retraction signals serious problems such as error, unreliable data, misconduct or duplicate publication. A retracted paper should not be used as current supporting evidence unless the retraction itself is the topic.
What it can tell you
It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
Old media stories can keep circulating even after the source paper has been retracted.