Nature, a prestigious journal in scientific publishing, retracted a high-profile paper it had published in March which had claimed the discovery of a superconductor that worked at everyday temperatures. This was the second paper involving Ranga P. Dias, a professor at the University of Rochester, to be retracted in just over a year.
Dias and his colleagues’ research is the latest in a series of claims of room-temperature superconductors that have not panned out. The retraction raises questions for Nature about why they publicized the research after they had already scrutinized and retracted a paper from the same group.
A spokesman for Dr. Dias said that he denied allegations of research misconduct and that he intended to resubmit the scientific paper to a journal with a more independent editorial process.
Superconductors, which conduct electricity without resistance, can seem almost magical but require ultracold temperatures or crushing pressures. A superconductor that works at everyday temperatures and pressures could find use in M.R.I. scanners, novel electronic devices, and levitating trains.
The paper claimed to have discovered a material that was able to superconduct electricity at temperatures of up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and required a pressure of 145,000 pounds per square inch. However, other researchers questioned the data, and the authors have requested that the paper be retracted.
In addition to the retracted paper, a previous paper by Dias was also retracted by another journal over concerns about the research findings. Dias continues to maintain the accuracy of his research findings.
The disappointments of a superconductor discovery in South Korea and Dias’s claims may not deter other scientists from investigating possible superconductors. Despite past controversies, major superconductor discoveries have continued. Outside experts have supported Dias’ lutetium hydride findings, and they remain confident that the findings will be reproduced by other scientists.