Peer review is an important aspect of scientific research and publication. It does ensure that quack-pot things don’t find themselves in main stream journals without scrutiny or challenge as publication in reputable journals carries the weight of trust.
There come times when new ideas challenge well established norms and are proven correct but any such ideas/theories are thoroughly vetted to prove accuracy/truth. Generally speaking any finding that challenges established norms is not accepted until findings have been reproduced repeatedly by others following the same methodology.
This is where Dr (former, licensure revoked) Andrew Wakefield’s publication in the Lancet journal regarding Thimerosal and Autism link fell flat on its face. Nobody could reproduce it and it wasn’t until years later that it came to light that his research was frankly fraudulent.
Unfortunately, by then the damage was done.
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