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Fake Cloner Stumbled Onto Major Stem Cell Find

Scandal overshadowed self-fertilizing eggs

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 3, 2007 7:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – The South Korean stem cell researcher who faked cloning a human egg and forged research results actually made a huge discovery without realizing it. Scientists reviewing his work have discovered that his team's embryonic stem cells were the product of unfertilized eggs that underwent parthenogenesis, or divided on their own, the Times reports.

Parthenogenesis is an easier process to replicate  than cloning, and the process could lead to custom-built replacement organs that contain a patient's DNA and would carry no risk of rejection. Other researchers have created embryonic stem cells through parthenogenesis since Hwang Woo Suk was disgraced in 2005, but the scandal concealed what would have been a breakthrough.
Hwang Woo-suk, the scientist whose claims of cloning a human embryo were found to be fraudulent.
Hwang Woo-suk, the scientist whose claims of cloning a human embryo were found to be fraudulent.   (Associated Press)
A Thai officer collects stem cells.
A Thai officer collects stem cells.   (Getty Images (by Event))
This is a microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm.
This is a microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm.   (KRT Photos)
Under a microscope, a 3-day-old, 8-cell embryo created through in vitro fertilization is held in place with a pipette while a drill makes a hole in the right wall of the embryo shell.
Under a microscope, a 3-day-old, 8-cell embryo created through in vitro fertilization is held in place with a pipette while a drill makes a hole in the right wall of the embryo shell.   (KRT Photos)
This is a microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm. Often, when doctors perform in vitro fertilization, extra embryos are made and typically frozen for future use.
This is a microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm. Often, when doctors perform in vitro fertilization, extra embryos are made and typically frozen for future use.   (KRT Photos)
Under a microscope, a 3-day-old, 8-cell embryo created through in vitro fertilization is held in place with a pipette while a drill makes a hole in the right wall of the embryo shell.
Under a microscope, a 3-day-old, 8-cell embryo created through in vitro fertilization is held in place with a pipette while a drill makes a hole in the right wall of the embryo shell.   (KRT Photos)
Embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen until needed for fertilization or testing.
Embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen until needed for fertilization or testing.   (KRT Photos)
Under a microscope, a single cell is removed for DNA analysis while an embryo grows for another day. If the DNA analysis indicates the embryo is healthy, it will be placed in the woman's uterus to imp
Under a microscope, a single cell is removed for DNA analysis while an embryo grows for another day. If the DNA analysis indicates the embryo is healthy, it will be placed in the woman's uterus to imp   (KRT Photos)
South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk is seen in this Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 file photo in Seoul. A new analysis says the disgraced scientist actually did reach a long-sought scientific goal. The new study suggests Hwang Woo-suk and his team produced stem cells, not through cloning as they contended, but...
South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk is seen in this Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 file photo in Seoul. A new analysis says the disgraced scientist actually did reach a long-sought scientific goal. The new...   (Associated Press)
Supporters of disgraced stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk stage a rally calling for Hwang to continue his research near the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, July 7, 2007. Hwang is at work in the lab, hoping to restore his credibility after a scandal that shocked the world. The...
Supporters of disgraced stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk stage a rally calling for Hwang to continue his research near the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, July 7, 2007. Hwang is at...   (Associated Press)
A supporter of disgraced stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk participate in a rally calling for Hwang to continue his research near the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, July 7, 2007. Hwang is at work in the lab, hoping to restore his credibility after a scandal that shocked the...
A supporter of disgraced stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk participate in a rally calling for Hwang to continue his research near the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, July 7, 2007....   (Associated Press)
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Related coverage

How can you make a breakthrough by accident?
Time

Timeline of the rise and fall of the faked cloning scientist
Times (UK)

Announcement of another effort related to Hwang's discredited data
New York Times

Go to the source

Abstract of the journal article, with link to full text
Cell Stem Cell

 
stem cell research • fraud • South Korea • stem cells • parthenogenesis • Hwang Woo suk • cloning

 
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