Disgraced Cloning Scientist Convicted

A cloning expert, who falsely claimed to have created the world's first cloned embryos, was convicted Monday for embezzlement and other charges related to the cloning scandal, news organizations are reporting.

In 2004, Hwang Woo-suk and colleagues at Seoul National University reported in an article published in the journal Science that they had created the first cloned human embryos and had extracted stem cells from them. Called human embryonic stem cells, these cells are derived from eggs fertilized in vitro (outside of the body) and are somewhat pristine. They are prized for their flexibility in being able to morph into any human-body cell.

Such claims, along with another by his team purporting they had created human embryonic cells genetically matched to specific patients, were called into question by a university committee, according to The Washington Post. The committee concluded the 2004 paper was based on false data and also cast doubt on his other claims.

Though Hwang was cleared of a fraud charge, he was convicted of embezzling research funds and illegally buying human eggs for his research. The judge reportedly said Hwang had shown remorse and so spared him jail time if he stays clear of trouble for three years.

Hwang is also known for creating the first known cloned dog, Snuppy, in 2005.

Read the full story at The Washington Post.

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