The news of alleged misconduct by Dr. Hwang Woo Suk, the South Korean scientist hailed as a stem cell pioneer, is disturbing and bizarre. But it is essential that the behavior of one brilliant but seemingly troubled researcher not be used to besmirch the still promising field of embryonic stem cell (ESC) research.
While Dr. Hwang's credibility is quickly deteriorating, the outlook for ESC remains bright. Maybe the ESC learning curve is steeper than we had hoped. But the developments in South Korea present an opportunity for American researchers to reassert themselves at the forefront of ESC research.
This technology seems to be a magnet for hyperbole and politics by both sides. Yet the fact is that science is bigger than any one scientist. Responsible progress is the only route.
Jeff Stier, Esq., is an associate director of the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH.org, HealthFactsAndFears.com).