Only conflicts of interest?

Abstract

The current situation of the biomedical sciences is critically discussed. It can be summarized as follows: 1. We have to acknowledge the presence of a serious credibility problem, which might undermine the foundations of medical science. ("Sliding on a slippery slope") 2. Multiple forces going beyond simple conflicts of interest push medical science further down the slippery slope. ("Who is pushing?") 3. The public awareness of something seriously wrong with medical science is mounting on all levels of our multimedia society. ("Looking into the media mirror") 4. Technical corrective measures may be easily implemented, however, to change an expanding and "successful" science culture actually destroying it's own foundations will need a sustained effort by the medical and scientific community on all levels. ("Look away - or act?")

Keywords

• publication bias
• biomedical science
• irreproducibility
• ethical blindness
• Scientific integrity