Nearly half the papers published in scientific journals disappear without
trace. Sidney Redner, a polymer scientist at Boston University, has analysed the
database of papers maintained by the Institute for Scientific Information in
Philadelphia. Of those published between 1981 and 1997, 47 per cent were never
referred to again in the scientific literature, even by the researchers who did
the work. Another 33 per cent were cited 10 times or fewer, while just 0.1 per
cent of papers attracted more than 1000 citations.
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
Exclusive report: Inside Chernobyl, 40 years after nuclear disaster
2
Neanderthal infants were enormous compared with modern humans
3
You can now buy a DIY quantum computer
4
Collapse of key ocean current may release billions of tonnes of carbon
5
Computer finds flaw in major physics paper for first time
6
Electric vehicle owners could earn thousands by supporting power grid
7
Startling images show how fake news isn't just a 21st century issue
8
Why is it so hard to change your mind?
9
My life as a meteorologist in Chernobyl under Russian occupation
10
You can upgrade your immune system, but not in the way you think
