South Korea cloning success ‘faked’

A South Korean cloning pioneer has reportedly admitted fabricating some of the results of his ground-breaking work on human embryos.

Dr Hwang Woo-suk was quoted by a colleague as saying that he had faked at least nine of 11 stem-cell colonies.

Dr Hwang’s work had been hailed as a breakthrough, opening the possibility of cures for degenerative diseases.

But his work has come under increased scrutiny since ethical lapses in his methods were revealed last month.

South Korea’s most celebrated scientist has been avoiding the media since his dramatic confession last month of ethical shortcomings in his work.

He has spent much of his time in hospital, where he has reportedly been suffering from stress as allegations have multiplied about the credibility of his research.

Paper under scrutiny

A close associate now says Dr Hwang has admitted faking at least some of the results which turned him into a national hero and seemed to give South Korea a clear lead in a revolutionary new field.

Dr Hwang’s paper – authenticated by the American journal, Science – claimed to have produced 11 stem-cell lines from cloned human embryos: a new technical for growing tissue that would perfectly match the DNA of a donor.

The technique could lead to possible cures for diseases including diabetes and Parkinson’s.

But Dr Hwang is now reported to have admitted that nine of the 11 stem-cell lines were fabricated.

A doctor who co-authored the paper says the credibility of the other two lines is also in doubt.

A close American collaborator of the Korean team has already tried to disassociate himself from the research.

The revelations have sparked a furious debate in the South Korean media.

Leading companies have pulled their advertisements from the television station that first revealed the problems with Dr Hwang’s work.

Many commentators said it was unpatriotic to challenge someone who had given the country a lead in such a promising new area.

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