. This was how Haruko Obokata, the lead author on two controversial stem cell papers, was described by the head of her institute last week. However, one co-author cautions that the controversy doesn鈥檛 mean that the science is unsound.
The research in question involves a new and strikingly simple way of producing embryonic-like stem cells. Papers detailing the experiments are being investigated by the RIKEN institute in Japan, where several of the authors are based, after .
The were announced last week. The committee found that colour manipulation of some images in the papers didn鈥檛 constitute fabrication. They also accept the authors鈥� explanation that a duplicated image was included by accident. They are still investigating allegations of doctored figures and plagiarism.
Advertisement
Some of the co-authors would like to retract the papers. But says he prefers to wait for the final outcome of the investigation. 鈥淭he findings are too significant to disregard based on relatively minor errors,鈥� he says. Instead, he believes the most appropriate course of action is to post the team鈥檚 exact methods online. 鈥淭his should enable others to replicate our findings,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 believe, over time, the science will speak for itself.鈥�
聯The findings are too significant to disregard yet. I believe the science will speak for itself聰
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淪tem cell fallout鈥�