A scientific paper that attributed the design of the human hand to a
Creator has been heavily criticized and eventually retracted.
Independent reports that the paper, published in the PLOS ONE journal
and titled “Biomechanical characteristics of hand coordination in
grasping activities of daily living,” detailed the movement of the human
hand and explored the mechanics of how humans grasp things. It also
measured the hand movements of 30 participants.
The paper was written by three Chinese researchers and one American
researcher from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.
The researchers wrote in the paper
that hand coordination “should indicate the mystery of the Creator’s
invention.” The paper goes on to claim that the mechanical architecture
of the hand is due to “proper design by the Creator.”
These assertions have put the researchers and the paper under fire from many in the scientific community.
“Just found out @PLOSONE published a paper with “evidence” about some
“creator,” tweeted Anxo Sánchez. “If not retracted immediately, I will
resign as editor.”
“‘Hand coordination should indicate the mystery of the Creator.’ I knew
PLOS ONE wasn’t top tier, but really? So bad,” tweeted Chris
Intagliata.
The vocal criticism has led the journal to retract the paper and to
assert that the process of peer evaluation for the paper was not as
thorough as it should have been.
“In light of the concerns identified, the PLOS ONE editors have decided
to retract the article, the retraction is being processed and will be
posted as soon as possible. We apologize for the errors and oversight
leading to the publication of this paper,” stated the journal’s editors.
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