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Cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk��s research team on Friday pre-empted a
move by Seoul National University to investigate the team��s stem cell
research. Research results published in the journal Science this year
have been at the center of controversy for several weeks after an MBC
investigative TV program first cast aspersions on them. On Thursday, several younger SNU academics called on the
university��s president to verify research results internally, but a
member of Hwang��s team said Friday the team will ask SNU to investigate
the process and would reveal test logs, computer data and DNA test
results once an investigative team has been set up.
But the scientist reiterated the team would not re-verify its
stem cell research paper itself, but would in the natural progress of
research prove its results in follow-up papers. The team believes
yielding to pressure to verify its results would set a bad precedent
and harm the credibility of Korean scientists in the international
community. The team is preparing a follow-up paper on cloning of
somatic cells and animals. The team said only Science, the Ministry of Science and
Technology and SNU are in a position to verify the research paper.
Science has already said it sees no reason to do so, while the
ministry, the sponsor of the research, also said Friday it will not
take part in the effort. SNU itself has not decided. Meanwhile, Seoul National University Hospital said Friday
Prof. Hwang was exhausted and showing symptoms of depression. It will
decide whether to discharge the geneticist next week, the hospital
said. ([email protected] )
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