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Health and medicine

Korean's cloning research in doubt

By wire services
Published December 14, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO - The validity of Hwang Woo Suk's pioneering human cloning work in South Korea is in question as a former collaborator tries to distance himself from the groundbreaking research.

University of Pittsburgh researcher Gerald Schatten has asked that the journal Science remove him as the senior author of report it published in June to international acclaim that detailed how individual stem cell colonies were created for 11 patients through cloning.

Many stem cell scientists had stood by Hwang's work even as the South Korean admitted to ethical lapses and minor data reporting errors. Now, a significant number are calling on Hwang to submit his cloning research to independent analysts.

WASHINGTON - Cancer is a disease of genes run amok, and scientists have found only a fraction of the bad actors. Tuesday, the government unveiled a $100-million project to speed discovery of culprits and cures, the first step toward a comprehensive map of cancer's genetic makeup.

It's an audacious project - the technology to even try it wasn't available just a few years ago.

The first step is the three-year pilot project to focus on two or three cancer types to ensure the goal of a complete cancer gene map is technologically possible.

The Cleveland Clinic will lead a huge international study to learn whether painkillers taken by millions for arthritis are safe for those at risk of heart problems.

With an unusual mix of industry, academic researchers and government oversight, the study also aims to restore confidence in the wake of the Vioxx debacle.

The new study will test Celebrex and two types of NSAIDs - ibuprofen (sold as Motrin, Advil and other brands) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Alleve).

[Last modified December 14, 2005, 00:15:15]