The article discusses how limited data sharing can lead to false claims of "breakthrough" topological phenomena in experiments on micrometer and nanometer structures.[2] The authors describe four specific cases from topological physics where observed signals were first interpreted as evidence of new topological states of matter.[2] However, when expanding and analyzing the available data in more detail, it became clear that the observed patterns can be better explained by non-pathological, "trivial" phenomena.[2] The article emphasizes that the so-called The "smoking gun" signal—seemingly unequivocal experimental evidence—can be treacherous if a wider parameter space is not explored.[2] The authors point to the risk of confirmation bias when experiments follow a theoretical prediction too closely and neglect other possible explanations.[2] As key measures, they suggest sharing complete data sets, systematically exploring alternative scenarios, and reporting the total range of measurements taken.[2][6] They argue that these steps can greatly increase the reliability of claims of reaching topological milestones in condensed matter.[2][6]