Seoul National University announced yesterday (December 29) that scientist Hwang Woo-suk did not create patient-specific stem cells as he claimed.
Roe Jung-hye, spokesperson for the investigative committee at Seoul National University, stated that the investigation team found that the stem cells claimed by Hwang in his May 2005 publication in the journal Science were actually derived from fertilized eggs and were not specifically created for patients.
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Roe Jung-hye speaks to the press during the press conference |
This finding is significant because scientists consider the development of patient-specific stem cells as a breakthrough towards treating various diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia.
“The investigation team found no stem cells compatible with patient DNA as stated in the published paper from May, and they believe Hwang’s team did not meet the scientific criteria to substantiate the creation of these stem cells,” Roe said.
She provided this information as the investigation team released preliminary results of the inquiry into Hwang’s research work. Last Friday, the university stated that at least 9 out of 11 previously reported stem cell lines were fabricated, and they are continuing to investigate the remaining 2 stem cell lines.
Hwang later apologized and resigned but maintained that he would continue researching and developing technology to create patient-compatible stem cells. He also alleged that the stem cells he created had been tampered with by collaborators.
