Scenario
The best way is to carry out DNA tests to compare embryonic cell lines and patients who contributed their somatic cells to create them, a process that would take just a couple of days. In the worst-case scenario, however, experts say that Hwang’s team may have to repeat all the processes of extracting stem cell lines after cloning somatic cells from patients. That would take up to six months according to experts. Embryologists here predict the three final results of the investigation.
The first one is that all the lingering doubts will prove to be groundless, a scenario that will boost Hwang’s research while wrecking havoc on anti-Hwang camp, including MBC.
The second one is confirmation that Hwang did establish some patient-specific stem cells but the geneticist exaggerated it by duplicating photos or DNA fingerprint traces. That would deal a serious blow to Hwang’s integrity but he could anyway continue his work on stem cells because the existence of the customized stem cells is already a great feat.
The final one is that all of Hwang’s research is fake and there are no such things as genetically-matched embryonic cell lines.
``In the worst case, Hwang would have to leave his study and the credibility of Korea’s scientific circle would be on the road to doom all together,’’ a Seoul scientist said.
posted by Hastle @ 7:48 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I hope that even if the first or second scenario is true, that this will still serve as a wake-up call to all of Korean academia that it's time to make sure all the i's are dotted and the t's crossed.
Even if Hwang is on the up and up, there is a valuable lesson to learn.
Sure thing, we've learned a lot from this case. Just another BIG time to have a sincere reflection on ourselves, be it whatever.
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