A South Korean scientist whose work is under intense scrutiny hit
back at his accusers on Friday, saying he had proof his team had made
patient-tailored stem cells this year and he would produce the evidence
soon.
Hwang Woo-suk told a televised news conference at Seoul
National University that five frozen stem cells were in the process of
being thawed for analysis. He expected results in 10 days.
"Our
six research members made 11 stem cells and all confirmed this," said
Hwang. Some cells had been contaminated by a fungus and he planned to
ask prosecutors to investigate his suspicion they may have been
tampered with or replaced.
"Who, with what intention, by what measure, who did such a thing?" he said. "I believe this must be unearthed."
The
case has wide ramifications for the already controversial field of
stem-cell research and for the prestige of South Korea, where Hwang has
become a folk hero.
His team published a study on tailored human
stem cells in May in the journal Science. The discovery was vital as it
could one day lead to treatment for spinal injuries, for example.
By Cheon Jong-woo and Kim So-young
