Groups Call for Greater Stem Cell Research Oversight After S. Korean Controversy
Accusations that a South Korean scientist "falsified evidence in a breakthrough stem cell study" has led to "renewed calls for more oversight of publicly funded science" in California, such as projects funded by Proposition 71, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Proposition 71 was approved by voters in November 2004 to fund stem cell research.
Last week, Zach Hall, president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, called the accusations and subsequent withdrawal of the South Korean scientist's results "a serious setback" in stem cell research.
The Center for Genetics and Society said the incident "starkly demonstrates the need for strong and enforceable regulations" at CIRM.
Sen. Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) plans to introduce a bill in January that would protect the rights of egg donors, according to spokesperson Hallye Jordan. However, "the financial oversight issue remains unsettled," the Union-Tribune reports.
According to Jordan, the South Korean "episode has pointed to the need for good governmental oversight" in stem cell research (Lieberman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12/18).