Journal of Medical Ethics (BMJ Group)

Paper on AI, biased algorithms and inequities in health care

Withdrawn · 28 May 2026

SectorAcademic / Research

CountryUnited Kingdom

Document typePeer-reviewed journal article

ConsequenceWithdrawn

What was fabricated

The journal's investigation found several cited references did not exist. The sole author — confirmed to be a high-school student (affiliation listed as Shrewsbury Public Schools, Massachusetts) — used generative AI to "identify and understand referenced sources" and did not verify the references before submission. The retraction notice also cites "evidence of peer review manipulation."

What happened as a result

Paper (published September 2025) retracted; retraction notice dated 28 May 2026. The author confirmed to the journal he was a high-school student and agreed to the retraction. Surfaced publicly by Retraction Watch on 6 July 2026.

Sources

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