Add a scandal to the germ cell case

An American germ cell specialist asked to remove his name from the Korean cloned researcher Woo Suk Hwang's clone research group - a controversial study.

GS.Hwang Woo Suk and researcher Gerald Schatten at a press conference announcing the first cloned dog

In a letter to Science magazine, scientist Gerald Schatten from the University of Pittsburgh asked the newspaper to remove his name from the human cloning study published by scientist Woo Suk Hwang and colleagues at Seoul National University in May 2005.

Gerald Schatten said he doubted the scientific report on human embryonic stem cells, which he co-authored with Korean scientists " based on fabricated data ". He did not participate in the experiment, but helped analyze the results and write reports.

' Over the weekend, I received information from a person who participated in the experiment that the databases provided in the report may be fabricated ,' Schatten said. However he did not comment further on this issue.

Hwang and his colleagues made history in 2004 when they announced the first cloning of human embryos from embryonic stem cells, to serve scientific and medical research.

In May 2005, the group continued to publish cloned cells from infected people, making a step forward in using cells to study these diseases. In August 2005, they announced that they had successfully cloned the first dog, Snuppy.

Science has refused to remove the name Schatten from the list of 25 research authors mentioned above. 'When publishing this issue, Science does not know about any scientists who think the data given is deceptive', the newspaper said.

The international scientific community called on Professor Hwang to present his controversial research to independent analysts about the authenticity of science.

Roe Jung-hye, an employee of Seoul University on Monday, said experts from the university began an investigation and conducted a test of stem cell DNA that Professor Hwang's group announced.

In November, scientist Gerald Schatten announced the end of collaboration after 20 months working with Professor Hwang Woo Suk's research team after appearing accusations (which also appeared last year) as a teacher. Professor Hwang uses the embryo of a graduate student to study stem cells. This case has sparked moral controversies around stem cell problems.

Also in November, Professor Hwang Woo Suk announced his resignation as head of the World Center for Germ cell Research (GSCH) after the scandal had used the eggs of two female partners in the study.

WALL VY