Calif. stem cell chief questioned in research probe

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:59:59 -0400

Acclaimed Australian stem cell scientist Alan Trounson, who was recently appointed to head up California's $3 billion stem cell institute, has been questioned in an investigation related to "anomalies" in interim results presented for an aborted $1 million lung regeneration research project. Trounson was the principal investigator in a research team that comprised 13 different scientists studying the uses of stem cells in treating lung disease among cystic fibrosis patients. The Australian Stem Cell Centre cut funding for the project after a probe determined that there were "inconsistencies in multiple progress reports," according to an article in Australia's Melbourne Herald Sun. Monash University says that Trounson has been questioned but is not being investigated. Trounson resigned last June as director of the ASCC. He also was forced to apologize after showing Australia's parliament a video in 2002 of a paralyzed rat who he said was able to walk after being treated with ESCs. The treatment was actually based on a germ cell. A spokesman for the CIRM told the Herald News that the university probe is being given a "careful review."

- read the report from the Herald Sun

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