I hope anti-science folks don't pile onto this, but to the pessimistic/realistic me who has friends / loved ones in advanced degree programs or doing research.. this sounds very similar..
Scientific fraud is rife: it's time to stand up for good science
The way we fund and publish science encourages fraud. A forum about academic misconduct aims to find practical solutions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/bl...nce?CMP=twt_fd