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Failure-mode index

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A searchable index of real negative results, null findings, and replication failures from the published literature — so you can learn what didn't work before repeating it.

WASTE indexes published research — it does not host or republish full papers. Each entry is a metadata record (title, authors, DOI) compiled from open scholarly databases, with the abstract shown in full only where the paper is openly licensed (e.g. Creative Commons); otherwise a short excerpt is shown for reference under fair use. WASTE classifies each work by failure type; classifications are automated and approximate.

142 results in Negative / Null Result Report for "null result" · page 2 of 5

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessMathematics

Replication of "null results" -- Absence of evidence or evidence of absence?

Samuel Pawel, Rachel Heyard, Charlotte Micheloud et al. · 2023 · arXiv

In several large-scale replication projects, statistically non-significant results in both the original and the replication study have been interpreted as a "replication success". Here we discuss the logical problems with this approach: Non-significance in both studies does not ensure that the studies provide evidence for the absence of an effect and "replication success" can virtually always be achieved if the sample sizes are small enough. In addition, the relevant error rates are not controlled. We show how methods, such as equivalence testing and Bayes factors, can be used to adequately qu

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Extracting constraints from direct detection searches of supersymmetric dark matter in the light of null results from the LHC in the squark sector

Q. Riffard, F. Mayet, G. Bélanger et al. · 2016 · arXiv

The comparison of the results of direct detection of Dark Matter, obtained with various target nuclei, requires model-dependent, or even arbitrary, assumptions. Indeed, to draw conclusions either the spin-dependent (SD) or the spin-independent (SI) interaction has to be neglected. In the light of the null results from supersymmetry searches at the LHC, the squark sector is pushed to high masses. We show that for a squark sector at the TeV scale, the framework used to extract contraints from direct detection searches can be redefined as the number of free parameters is reduced. Moreover, the co

Negative / Null Result ReportMedicine

Does Misinformation Have Spillover Effects on Unrelated Health Behaviors? Promising Null Results from a Longitudinal Study of U.S. Adults.

Kikut-Stein A, Jesch E, Dhawan D et al. · 2026 · Journal of health communication

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical question for health communication is whether misinformation exposure and misperceptions about one health topic have far-reaching, or "spillover," effects on health behavior in general. The…

View details →DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2026.2623409
Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

What if we find nothing? Bayesian analysis of the statistical information of null results in future exoplanet habitability and biosignature surveys

Daniel Angerhausen, Amedeo Balbi, Andjelka B. Kovačević et al. · 2025 · arXiv

Future telescopes will survey temperate, terrestrial exoplanets to estimate the frequency of habitable ($η_{\text{Hab}}$) or inhabited ($η_{\text{Life}}$) planets. This study aims to determine the minimum number of planets ($N$) required to draw statistically significant conclusions, particularly in the case of a null result (i.e., no detections). Using a Bayesian framework, we analyzed surveys of up to $N=100$ planets to infer the frequency of a binary observable feature ($η_{\text{obs}}$) after null results. Posterior best fits and upper limits were derived for various survey sizes and compa

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

How to interpret a discovery or null result of the $0ν2β$ decay

Zhi-zhong Xing, Zhen-hua Zhao, Ye-Ling Zhou · 2015 · arXiv

The Majorana nature of massive neutrinos will be crucially probed in the next-generation experiments of the neutrinoless double-beta ($0ν2β$) decay. The effective mass term of this process, $\langle m\rangle^{}_{ee}$, may be contaminated by new physics. So how to interpret a discovery or null result of the $0ν2β$ decay in the foreseeable future is highly nontrivial. In this paper we introduce a novel three-dimensional description of $|\langle m\rangle_{ee}^{}|$, which allows us to see its sensitivity to the lightest neutrino mass and two Majorana phases in a transparent way. We take a look at

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

The NCORES Program: Precise planetary masses, null results, and insight into the planet mass distribution near the radius gap

David J. Armstrong, Ares Osborn, Remo Burn et al. · 2025 · arXiv

NCORES was a large observing program on the ESO HARPS spectrograph, dedicated to measuring the masses of Neptune-like and smaller transiting planets discovered by the TESS satellite using the radial velocity technique. This paper presents an overview of the programme, its scientific goals and published results, covering 35 planets in 18 planetary systems. We present spectrally derived stellar characterisation and mass constraints for five additional TOIs where radial velocity observations found only marginally significant signals (TOI-510.01, $M_p=1.08^{+0.58}_{-0.55}M_\oplus$), or found no si

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

The search for roAp stars: null results and new candidates from Stroemgren-Crawford photometry

E. Paunzen, G. Handler, K. Honkova et al. · 2018 · arXiv

The rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars exhibit pulsational photometric and/or radial velocity variations on time scales of several minutes, which are essential to test current pulsation models as well as our assumptions of atmospheric structure characteristics. In addition, their chemical peculiarity makes them very interesting for probing stellar formation and evolution in the presence of a global magnetic field. To date, a limited number of only 61 roAp stars are known to show photometric variability. On the other hand, a literature survey yields 619 unique stars that have unsuccessfully be

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Statistical interpretations of the null result of the KARMEN 2 experiment

C. Giunti · 1998 · arXiv

Several possible statistical interpretations of the null result of the KARMEN 2 neutrino oscillation experiment are discussed with the aim of clarifying the implications of the fact that KARMEN 2 did not observe any of the expected background events. The formalism that allows to take into account the error of the expected mean background in a Poisson process with background is presented and applied to the statistical analysis of the KARMEN 2 null result. The possibility of ignoring the expected mean background calculated for the KARMEN 2 experiment is discussed and it is shown that the resulti

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Nothing's plenty: The significance of null results in physics education research

Luke D. Conlin, Eric Kuo, Nicole R. Hallinen · 2018 · arXiv

A central aim of physics education research is to understand the processes of learning and use that understanding to inform instruction. To this end, researchers often conduct studies to measure the effect of classroom interventions on student learning outcomes. Many of these intervention studies have provided an empirical foundation of reformed teaching techniques, such as active engagement. However, many times there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that the intervention had the intended effect, and these null results often end up in the file drawer. In this paper, we argue that null re

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Reconciling the positive DAMA annual modulation signal with the negative results of the CDMS II experiment

R. Foot · 2004 · arXiv

We examine the recent CDMS II results in the context of the mirror matter interpretation of the DAMA/NaI experiment.We find that the favoured mirror matter interpretation of the DAMA/NaI experiment -- a $He'/H'$ dominated halo with a small $O'$ component is fully consistent with the null results reported by CDMS II. While the CDMS II experiment is quite sensitive to a heavy $Fe'$ component, and may yet find a positive result, a more decisive test of mirror matter-type dark matter would require a lower threshold experiment using light target elements.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Supergravity corrections to the $(g-2)_l$ factor by Implicit Regularization

J. E. Ottoni, A. P. Baeta Scarpelli, Marcos Sampaio et al. · 2006 · arXiv

We apply Implicit regularization in the calculation of the one-loop graviton and gravitino corrections to the anomalous magnetic moment of the lepton in unbroken supergravity, which is known to be an important test for any regularization method. We find a null result as it is expected from supersymmetry. We compare our results with the ones obtained by using Differential Regularization and Dimensional Reduction, which are known to preserve supersymmetry at one-loop order.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Searching for magnetic fields in pulsating A-type stars: the discovery of a strong field in the probable delta Sct star HD340577 and a null result for the gamma Dor star HR8799

S. Hubrig, S. P. Jarvinen, J. D. Alvarado-Gomez et al. · 2023 · arXiv

Numerous delta Sct and gamma Dor pulsators are identified in the region of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram that is occupied by chemically peculiar magnetic Ap stars. The connection between delta Sct and gamma Dor pulsations and the magnetic field in Ap stars is however not clear: theory suggests for magnetic Ap stars some critical field strengths for pulsation mode suppression by computing the magnetic damping effect for selected p and g modes. To test these theoretical considerations, we obtained PEPSI spectropolarimetric snapshots of the typical Ap star HD340577, for which delta Sct-like pul

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Can WIMP Spin Dependent Couplings explain DAMA data, in light of Null Results from Other Experiments?

Christopher Savage, Paolo Gondolo, Katherine Freese · 2004 · arXiv

We examine whether the annual modulation found by the DAMA dark matter experiment can be explained by Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), in light of new null results from other experiments. CDMS II has already ruled out most WIMP-nucleus spin-independent couplings as an explanation for DAMA data. Hence we here focus on spin-dependent (axial vector; SD) couplings of WIMPs to nuclei. We expand upon previous work by (i) considering the general case of coupling to both protons and neutrons and (ii) incorporating bounds from all existing experiments. We note the surprising fact that CMDS

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Projection Measurement of the Maximally Entangled N-Photon State for a Demonstration of N-Photon de Broglie Wavelength

F. W. Sun, Z. Y. Ou, G. C. Guo · 2005 · arXiv

We construct a projection measurement process for the maximally entangled N-photon state (the NOON-state) with only linear optical elements and photodetectors. This measurement process will give null result for any N-photon state that is orthogonal to the NOON state. We examine the projection process in more detail for N=4 by applying it to a four-photon state from type-II parametric down-conversion. This demonstrates an orthogonal projection measurement with a null result. This null result corresponds to a dip in a generalized Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer for four photons. We find that the d

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Arago (1810): the first experimental result against the ether

Rafael Ferraro, Daniel M. Sforza · 2004 · arXiv

95 years before Special Relativity was born, Arago attempted to detect the absolute motion of the Earth by measuring the deflection of starlight passing through a prism fixed to the Earth. The null result of this experiment gave rise to the Fresnel's hypothesis of an ether partly dragged by a moving substance. In the context of Einstein's Relativity, the sole frame which is privileged in Arago's experiment is the proper frame of the prism, and the null result only says that Snell's law is valid in that frame. We revisit the history of this premature first evidence against the ether theory and

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Confidence belts on bounded parameters

J. Bouchez · 2000 · arXiv

We show that the unified method recently proposed by Feldman and Cousins to put confidence intervals on bounded parameters cannot avoid the possibility of getting null results. A modified bayesian approach is also proposed (although not advocated) which ensures no null results and proper coverage.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Internal cumulants for femtoscopy with fixed charged multiplicity

H. C. Eggers, B. Buschbeck · 2013 · arXiv

A detailed understanding of all effects and influences on higher-order correlations is essential. At low charged multiplicity, the effect of a nonpoissonian multiplicity distribution can significantly distort correlations. Evidently, the reference samples with respect to which correlations are measured should yield a null result in the absence of correlations. We show how the careful specification of desired properties necessarily leads to an average-of-multinomials reference sample. The resulting internal cumulants and their averaging over several multiplicities fulfil all requirements of cor

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Neutrino dispersion relation changes due to radiative corrections as the origin of faster-than-light-in-vacuum propagation in a medium

Karl Svozil · 2011 · arXiv

Radiative corrections to the dispersion of neutrinos in nonstandard vacuum may give rise to "boosts" in their speed. This could explain recent experimental evidence by the OPERA collaboration, as well as the null result indicated by the supernova 1987A (SN 1987A) measurements of neutrino and photon arrival times.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Development and Application of a Detection System for a Novel Class of Gravitational-Wave Transients

Soichiro Kuwahara, Kipp Cannon · 2023 · arXiv

We previously described the development of a detection system for a novel class of transient gravitational-wave sources taking the form of Cherenkov-like bursts. Here, we have applied the system to the data of the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA O3 science run, and report a null result. The ad hoc waveform model is motivated by the conjectured emission of gravitational waves from a curvature source moving at super-luminal speed, and while there is no plausible natural or artificial source of such waves, we nevertheless use the null result to infer a tongue-in-cheek upper bound on the number density of near-E

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

The null result of a search for pulsational variations of the surface magnetic field in the roAp star gamma Equulei

O. Kochukhov, T. Ryabchikova, J. D. Landstreet et al. · 2004 · arXiv

We describe an analysis of the time-resolved measurements of the surface magnetic field in the roAp star gamma Equ. We have obtained a high-resolution and high S/N spectroscopic time-series, and the magnetic field was determined using Zeeman resolved profiles of the Fe II 6149.25 A and Fe I 6173.34 A lines. Contrary to recent reports we do not find any evidence of magnetic variability with pulsation phase, and derive an upper limit of 5-10 G for pulsational modulation of the surface magnetic field in gamma Equ.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Comment on "Is the nonlinear Meissner effect unobservable?"

Anand Bhattacharya, Igor Zutic, Oriol T. Valls et al. · 1998 · arXiv

In a recent Letter (Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, p.5640 (1998), cond-mat/9808249 v3), it was suggested that nonlocal effects may prevent observation of the nonlinear Meissner effect in YBCO. We argue that this claim is incorrect with regards to measurements of the nonlinear transverse magnetic moment, and that the most likely reason for a null result lies elsewhere.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Axion detection by ring lasers

L. Cooper, G. E. Stedman · 1995 · arXiv

A ring-laser experiment, similar to the Canterbury ring laser, to detect axion- and {\sc qed}-induced vacuum birefringence is proposed. It uses a slowly modulated magnetic field and a novel polarization geometry. Both axion coupling and vacuum birefringence would modulate the Sagnac beat frequency. A null result could place sensitive bounds on the axion mass and on two-photon coupling.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Michelson-Morley experiment within the quantum mechanics framework

D. L. Khokhlov · 2008 · arXiv

It is revisited the Michelson-Morley experiment within the quantum mechanics framework. One can define the wave function of photon in the whole space at a given moment of time. The phase difference between the source and receiver is a distance between the source and receiver at the time of reception hence it does not depend on the velocity of the frame. Then one can explain the null result of the Michelson-Morley experiment within the quantum mechanics framework.

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessComputer Science

Null Result for the Violation of Equivalence Principle with Free-Fall Rotating Gyroscopes

J. Luo, Y. X. Nie, Y. Z. Zhang et al. · 2001 · arXiv

The differential acceleration between a rotating mechanical gyroscope and a non-rotating one is directly measured by using a double free-fall interferometer, and no apparent differential acceleration has been observed at the relative level of 2x10{-6}. It means that the equivalence principle is still valid for rotating extended bodies, i.e., the spin-gravity interaction between the extended bodies has not been observed at this level. Also, to the limit of our experimental sensitivity, there is no observed asymmetrical effect or anti-gravity of the rotating gyroscopes as reported by hayasaka et

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

An observational constraint on gravitational lensing by objects of mass 10^(9.5) - 10^(10.9) Mo

Pedro Augusto, Peter N. Wilkinson · 2000 · arXiv

A radio-based search for strong gravitational lensing, with image separations in the range 160-300 milliarcsec (mas), has yielded a null result for a sample of 1665 sources (Augusto, Wilkinson & Browne 1998) whose mean redshift is estimated to be ~1.3. The lensing rate for this previously-unexplored separation range, <1:555 at the 95% confidence level, is less than on arcsecond-scales - as expected from models of lensing galaxy populations. Lensing on 160-300 mas scales is expected to arise predominantly from spiral galaxies at a rate dependent on the disk-halo mass ratio and the evolving numb

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Higher-Order Hydrodynamics in 1D: a Promising Direction and a Null Result

Maurizio Fagotti · 2017 · arXiv

We derive a Moyal dynamical equation that describes exact time evolution in generic (inhomogeneous) noninteracting spin-chain models. Assuming quasistationarity, we develop a hydrodynamic theory. The question at hand is whether some large-time corrections are captured by higher-order hydrodynamics. We consider in particular the dynamics after that two chains, prepared in different conditions, are joined together. In these situations a light cone, separating regions with macroscopically different properties, emerges from the junction. In free fermionic systems some observables close to the ligh

Negative / Null Result ReportOpen accessPhysics

Comparison of dynamical and equilibrium surface spin-reorientations: Inferences on the nature of the phase transitions in the presence of dipole interactions

G. He, R. Belanger, P. H. Hguyen et al. · 2018 · arXiv

The influence of long-range dipole interactions on two dimensional magnetism has been studied extensively in the spin-reorientation transition of ferromagnetic ultrathin films. Although there is a great deal of experimental information on the perpendicular domain phase that is stabilized by dipole interactions, the transitions to or from the domain phase are subtle and difficult to characterize experimentally. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show no divergence in the vicinity of the spin-reorientation transition as a function of thickness -- a null result that is difficult to interpret wi

Negative / Null Result Report

Beliefs and opinions about “illegal” and “undocumented” immigrants: Conceptual replication of a null result

Kirill Zhirkov, Robert H. Brehm · 2025 · Research &amp; Politics

Activists and politicians often express a belief that the language used to describe immigrant populations, such as “illegal” vs. “undocumented,” can impact policy opinions. Existing experimental studies, however, have found relatively…

View details →DOI: 10.1177/20531680251355233