what should i do?

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potoba

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Oct 17, 2006
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So i found a huge problem in a paper (from another research group) that our group has been using to build the calculation methodology for our system. This will affect many of our existing publications and even other groups'.

I wish I had been wrong about this....

But what if it's true. What would you do if you were in my shoes?
 

MotionMan

Lifer
Jan 11, 2006
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Originally posted by: potoba

So i found a huge problem in a paper (from another research group) that our group has been using to build the calculation methodology for our system. This will affect many of our existing publications and even other groups'.

I wish I had been wrong about this....

But what if it's true. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

I would post about it on a website.




Check!

MotionMan
 

SmoochyTX

Lifer
Apr 19, 2003
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Originally posted by: potoba

So i found a huge problem in a paper (from another research group) that our group has been using to build the calculation methodology for our system. This will affect many of our existing publications and even other groups'.

I wish I had been wrong about this....

But what if it's true. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

I would go to Taco Bell and tell the tiny people in the drive-thru speaker.
 

potoba

Senior member
Oct 17, 2006
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Originally posted by: Atheus
Can you post technical details here?

Biopolymers, Vol. 57, 19-28 (2000)
Problems:
The euler's transformation matrix is wrong if they applied X convention which they claimed they did.
The rotation angles are wrong --> equation 5 and 6 are both wrong.--> the total Raman tensor (polarizability) of the helix is off.

I cant really tell you more about my research, though. Sorry.
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
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Originally posted by: potoba

So i found a huge problem in a paper (from another research group) that our group has been using to build the calculation methodology for our system. This will affect many of our existing publications and even other groups'.

I wish I had been wrong about this....

But what if it's true. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

fix it so that you dont propagate bad science?
 

potoba

Senior member
Oct 17, 2006
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Originally posted by: Leros
Have you confirmed the error with other people?

Our lab found some errors in the paper before, but the effects weren't as big as this one. So far I havent told anyone about this yet as this will shock many people especially my boss. I am working on verifying the error again. So far, this is my 5th time already...
 

Electric Amish

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
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I would make sure someone checks and double-checks your work.

Then I would address the issue with the original authors.
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
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You do the right thing. Have someone else double check your work, but yes, you are doing the right thing. You ALWAYS do the right thing, even if it puts your job on the line. I've held up a few big projects in my day to make sure vital details are addressed.
 
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