One problem the amount of press and hype that these type of research receive in the mass media (same thing for the "cancer cure breakthrough"), likely promoted by researchers and labs looking for funding, and which generally amount to nothing. The general public may forget about a specific claim, but they don't forget the number of false or misleading headlines they've read over the years.
Add to that a blatant case of forgery like this on a high priority subject, and you have the recipe for antivaxx, covid denialism and overall decline of the trust in science.
The blatant case of forgery described in the article. Manipulating images to make something that do no exist appear real is as blatant and as forgery as they come.
Add to that a blatant case of forgery like this on a high priority subject, and you have the recipe for antivaxx, covid denialism and overall decline of the trust in science.