One red flag should be that nowhere in this news article is the reader made aware of the exact nature of the manipulated images or their implications. If you go to the linked pubpeer review page you'll find why -- it's much less dramatic and all the findings were also replicated following this inquiry to show that any image alteration, that might have been made for editorial purposes, does not affect conclusions....
Drama drama drama, feed the people more drama... sigh
Drama drama drama, feed the people more drama... sigh