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Comment
. 2016 Jun 14;14(6):e1002477.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002477. eCollection 2016 Jun.

Authentication: A Standard Problem or a Problem of Standards?

Amanda Capes-Davis  1 , Richard M Neve  2
Affiliations
Comment

Authentication: A Standard Problem or a Problem of Standards?

Amanda Capes-Davis et al. PLoS Biol. .

Abstract

Reproducibility and transparency in biomedical sciences have been called into question, and scientists have been found wanting as a result. Putting aside deliberate fraud, there is evidence that a major contributor to lack of reproducibility is insufficient quality assurance of reagents used in preclinical research. Cell lines are widely used in biomedical research to understand fundamental biological processes and disease states, yet most researchers do not perform a simple, affordable test to authenticate these key resources. Here, we provide a synopsis of the problems we face and how standards can contribute to an achievable solution.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Improved training and awareness are needed to promote the use of cell line authentication.
Illustration conception: ACD; artwork: RMN.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

References

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