Non-Stop Scientific Cabaret: The Crisis and Transformation of Scientific Publishing

Welcome to the stage of science, where peer-review processes, impact factors, and citation pirouettes perform as part of a non-stop cabaret show. The current system of scientific publishing is undergoing a paradigmatic crisis—while the number of publications grows exponentially, their actual impact remains contentious. Studies indicate that 27–90% of articles in the natural sciences are never cited, and often, only the authors, their mentors, and occasionally family members offer applause and recognition . This article, blending the ironic metaphor of a scientific cabaret with detailed empirical analysis, traces the journey from historical correspondences to modern impact metrics, emphasizing disruptive innovations such as preprints, open access, and artificial intelligence.