What does it mean when an article is retracted and why does this happen?

When an article is retracted, it means that the publisher has withdrawn it from publication because of errors, misconduct, or other issues that undermine the credibility of the research. This can happen if the research is found to be fraudulent, contains significant errors, or violates ethical standards. Retractions are important to maintain the integrity of scientific literature and ensure accurate information is available to the public.