Dr. Haruko Obokata: Stem cell researcher found guilty of misconduct

An investigation into a supposedly groundbreaking stem cell study in Japan has found lead researcher Dr. Haruko Obokata guilty of misconduct.

The Riken Centre panel said Dr. Haruko Obokata fabricated her work in an intentionally misleading fashion.

It said there were irregularities in data and images used in Dr. Haruko Obokata’s scientific papers published in Nature.

She stands by her claim to be able to produce stem cells using an acid bath or mechanical stress.

There were high hopes about the technique that promised to offer a cheap and ethical source of stem cells.

The Riken Centre panel said Dr. Haruko Obokata fabricated her work in an intentionally misleading fashion

Stem cells can become any other type of tissue and are already being investigated to heal the damage caused by a heart attack and to restore sight to the blind.

But experts have been questioning Dr. Haruko Obokata’s findings and other research groups have failed to reproduce her results.

One of Dr. Haruko Obokata’s articles reused images related to her doctoral dissertation, which was based on different experiments.

“Actions like this completely destroy data credibility,” Shunsuke Ishii, head of the Riken committee, told a news conference.

“There is no doubt that she was fully aware of this danger. We’ve therefore concluded this was an act of research misconduct involving fabrication.”

In a statement, Dr. Haruko Obokata said she would soon file a complaint with Riken, challenging the panel’s findings.

“I’m filled with shock and indignation,” she said.

“If things stay as they are, misunderstanding could arise that the discovery of stap [stem] cells itself is forgery. That would be utterly unacceptable.”

I1k04TNSJDY
Kathryn R. Bown

Kathryn - Our health specialist likes to share with the readers the latest news from the field. Nobody understands better than her the relation between healthy mind and healthy body.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago