An expert panel formed by the University of Minnesota has determined that a PhD student who worked with a team of researchers responsible for a high-profile study involving adult stem cells extracted from bone marrow falsified data in an earlier research report. New Scientist reports that it raised questions about irregularities in the team's 2002 report led by Catherine Verfaillie. The group had reported seeing extraordinary versatility in the adult stem cell, a conclusion that gained widespread attention.
New Scientist reported last year that figures and images in the report had been manipulated. The university panel confirmed images had been manipulated and asked that the paper be retracted. But the panel also concluded that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the team had engaged in misconduct.
- read the report from New Scientist