Bioanalytical inaccuracy: a threat to the integrity and efficiency of research.

In recent years, the threats to the integrity of science posed by the dishonesty of a small minority of scientists, and the biases held by most scientists, have become a topic of lively discussion. We believe that faulty measurement of biochem ical compounds is sufficiently common that it also serves to undermine the integrity and efficiency of science. We approach this neglected area by first discussing a series of erroneous reports in the neuroscience literature that we are personally familiar with owing to our areas of research interest. Then we attempt to explain the underlying factors that contribute to the problem and make suggestions about how to minimize and mitigate the problem.