Text Only
Search

 
Panel: Human Stem Cell Claims Fake


10 January 2006

A South Korean university panel has dealt another blow to once-celebrated scientist Hwang Woo-suk, ruling he faked all claims to have cloned human stem cells. But the experts confirm Hwang did clone the world's first dog last year.

On Tuesday, the head of a Seoul National University investigative panel, Jeong Myeong-hee, exposed another of Hwang Woo-suk's purported scientific breakthroughs as a sham.

Jeong says Hwang never produced the world's first cloned human embryos, as he claimed in 2004, and had fabricated the data for that research. Jeong also confirmed the scientist had not produced genetically tailored human stem cells, as claimed in 2005.

Tuesday's announcement is the culmination of a month-long probe into Hwang's work. It was initiated after South Korean TV reporters began producing revelations damaging to Hwang last November.

Hwang has admitted to ethical irregularities in his procuring human egg for research, and acknowledges he faked his 2005 report on tailored embryonic stem cells.

Stem cells are master cells that can grow into any other body tissue.

Hwang's 2005 claims to have developed 11 patient-specific stem cell lines had raised hopes for eventual therapies for spinal injuries, Alzheimer's and other diseases.

However, Jeong did verify Tuesday that Hwang had cloned the world's first dog - introduced last year to the world as "Snuppy."

Jeong says the panel was able to conclude that Snuppy was genetically identical to "Ty", the Afghan Hound from which Hwang and his team extracted source cells.

Hwang has not yet responded to Tuesday's announcement about his 2004 work. However, he has maintained he possesses the basic technology for extracting human stem cells from cloned embryos. He accuses the hospital that collaborated with his team of tampering with his research - an allegation the hospital denies.

Hwang has resigned all of his official positions. Seoul National University is expected to announce sanctions against the former professor on Wednesday.

Hwang may also face criminal charges because he received millions of dollars in research funding from the South Korean government.

emailme.gif E-mail This Article
printerfriendly.gif Print Version

  Related Stories
University Panel: South Korean Scientist's Patient-Specific Stem Cell Claims False
South Korean Stem Cell Researcher Resigns in Disgrace After University Says He Faked Results
 
  Top Story
Two US Soldiers Killed in Southern Afghanistan

  More Stories
US Legislators Decry Secret Bush-Era Program
Netanyahu Calls for Peace Summit With Palestinian Leaders 
Officials: Maoists Kill 26 Police in Central India
Istanbul Demonstrators Protest Violence in Western China
Five Iranians Detained by US in Iraq for 2 Years Return Home
Mexican Police, Soldiers Killed in Multi-City Attacks
Obama Returns Home From European, African Trip
Alleged Coup Plot Puts Guinean Army on High Alert 
Lithuania Swears In First Woman President
Curfew Lifted in Honduras
Al-Qaida in North Africa Frees Swiss Hostage
Park in the Sky Opens in New York  Audio Clip Available
China Rushing Supplies to Quake-Hit Zone  Audio Clip Available
Thousands Remember Europe's Worst Massacre Since World War II