Excel autocorrect errors are plaguing gene research

Auto-correction, or predictive text, is a common feature of many modern tech tools, from internet searches to messaging apps and word processors. Auto-correction can be a blessing, but when the algorithm makes mistakes it can change the message in dramatic and sometimes hilarious ways. Our research shows autocorrect errors, particularly in Excel spreadsheets, can also make a mess of gene names in genetic research. We surveyed more than 10,000 papers with Excel gene lists published between 2014 and 2020 and found more than 30% contained at least one gene name mangled by autocorrect. This research follows our 2016 study that…

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