A South Korean university panel has dealt another blow to once-celebrated scientist Hwang Woo-suk, ruling he faked all claims to have cloned human stem cells. But the experts confirm Hwang did clone the world's first dog last year.
A Seoul National University panel confirmed Tuesday that disgraced researcher Hwang Woo-suk faked the 2004 and 2005 data that catapulted him to international fame.
The head of the investigative panel, Jeong Myeong-hee, says a month long probe concluded Hwang faked his human stem cell research.
Jeong says Hwang never produced the world's first cloned human embryos, as he claimed in 2004 nor did his team later produce genetically tailored human stem cells - master cells that can grow into any body tissue.
Hwang's fake claims had raised hopes for new therapies for spinal injuries, Alzheimer's and other diseases.
But the panel did verify that Hwang cloned the world's first dog - introduced last year to the world as "Snuppy."
Seoul National University is expected to announce Wednesday sanctions against Hwang.
