Leading Science Journal Retracts 'Game-Changer' Stem-Cell Study

Nature, the leading science journal is withdrawing a stem-cell study published in January that had been hailed as a game-changer in the quest to grow transplant tissue.

Nature, the leading science journal is withdrawing a stem-cell study published in January that had been hailed as a "game-changer" in the quest to grow transplant tissue.

The announcement on Wednesday came after mistakes were discovered in some data published in two papers, photograph captions were found to be misleading, and the work itself could not be repeated by other scientists, it said.

Simple, Low-tech Method in 'Groundbreaking' Japan Stem-cell Study Questioned
A Japanese research institute said it was probing its own study on stem cells that outlined a simple and low-tech approach in the quest to grow transplant tissue in the lab.

"All co-authors of both papers have finally concluded that they cannot stand behind the papers, and have decided to retract them," the journal said in an editorial.

Nature said it would tighten up procedures to vet future studies submitted for publication.

On June 4, Japan's Riken research institute said lead scientist Haruko Obotaka, 30, had agreed to retract the papers after an investigation.

New Stem-cell Treatment may Harbour Cure for Stroke
Scientists have taken an important step towards a treatment for stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain, using stem cells.

Obokata was feted after unveiling findings that appeared to show a straight-forward way to reprogramme adult cells to become stem cells -- precursors that are capable of developing into any other cell in the human body.

Identifying a readily-manufacturable supply of stem cells could one day help meet a need for transplant tissues, or even whole organs.

New Drug may Prevent Common Viral Disease in Stem-Cell Transplant Patients
In patients receiving a transplant of donated blood-making stem cells, a new drug can often prevent a common, sometimes severe viral disease.

Source-AFP

Stem-Cell Therapy Trials Claim Breakthrough in Race for Spinal 'Cure'
For severe spinal cord injuries, a leading researcher said that trials for stem-cell therapy showed groundbreaking results in giving immobile patients the ability to walk again.