This article was written by Dr Sharon Gould who purportedly 'holds a PhD in Applied Science (Biotechnology), and works as a biotechnology informatics consultant' (73). In fact, the article was a fabrication intended to expose the editorial stance of Keith Windschuttle, editor of Quadrant, against poor research practices.
On 8 January, journalist and activist Katherine Wilson revealed herself as the hoaxer via the crikey.com.au website. Keith Windschuttle denied that publishing the article constituted a hoax, describing it instead as 'bogus' and a 'piece of fraudulent journalism'.