TEXT-S.Korean panel's statement on stem-cell probe
Thu 22 Dec 2005 10:59 PM ET
SEOUL, Dec 23 (Reuters) - The results of a landmark 2005 paper on producing tailored embryonic stem cells were intentionally fabricated and the main scientist should shoulder the blame, a South Korean investigation panel said on Friday.
Following is the formal written statement on the panel's interim findings (translation from Korean by Reuters):
1. On the number of stem cells
The number of tailored stem cells was reported as 11 in the 2005 paper but when the paper was sent on March 15, only two of them existed.
Out of the other nine cells, four were dead due to a contamination accident on Jan. 9. The other two had no record as having been made as stem cells.
The other three were found as colonies but were not yet proved as stem cells when the paper was submitted.
Therefore, all experimental data, microscope pictures and DNA finger prints were made out of the two stem cells.
Whether the two cells were tailored can be established after the panel's DNA tests are completed.
2. DNA analysis data
The 2005 paper said the data used to confirm patient-tailored stem cells were made properly and analysed stem cells and DNA of patients' cells with nuclei removed.
But according to our investigation, they had not sent two different types of cells, but used the same cells of a patient for the nine cells. Therefore, the two data could not help being proved to be the same.
3. Based on these findings, data in the 2005 Science journal cannot be regarded as a simple accidental error but as intentional fabrication made out of two stem cells.
This activity was major misconduct that undermines the fundamentals of science.
The panel will examine through DNA tests the additional stem cells that Professor Hwang claimed to have made to establish whether they were tailored.
In addition, the panel will investigate suspicions on the 2004 paper run by Science journal and the cloned dog Snuppy.
.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask]
In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn
