Two studies published earlier this year that purported to show how it was possible to produce embryonic-like stem cells by simply adding weak acid solution to blood cells have been formally retracted by all the researchers involved. [s]The Independent [/s]reports that the work enjoyed headlines around the world because it opened the door to the possibility of cheap and easy stem cell ‘repair kits’ made from a patient’s own cells. However, within weeks errors were found in the figures. Parts were shown to be plagiarised and early attempts at reproducing the work failed.
[link url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/research-team-apologises-for-errors-in-fake-stem-cell-breakthrough-9579973.html]Full report in The Independent[/link]
[link url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v511/n7507/full/nature13599.html]Nature retraction[/link]
[link url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v511/n7507/full/nature13598.html]Nature retraction[/link]
[link url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v505/n7485/full/nature12969.html]Original Nature article[/link]