A study conducted by the editors of the American Medical Association show that "six of the top medical journals published a significant number of articles written by ghostwriters," the New York Times reports.

In more concrete numbers, the authors of the study found that 7.8 percent of contributed articles were written by authors who did not -- but should have -- recieved credit via a byline.

The numbers concerned the researchers because the work of ghostwriters, usually industry-sponsored writers, "has the potential to introduce bias, affecting treatment decisions by doctors and, ultimately, patient care."

Ironically enough, this new study, which was announced Thursday, has neither been peer reviewed nor published in a medical journal. It almost seems like the pot calling the kettle black, doesn't it?

To read the full article, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/business/11ghost.html?sq=September 11 2009&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&scp=18&adxnnlx=1253207557-JTPb+/myiHH5VaYPi2ZXGg