Research which claimed to produe stem cells by dipping blood cells (above) into acid, has been called into question.

Questions over validity of research are being investigated

Questions have been raised over the credibility of a supposedly revolutionary technique for stem cell production.

Earlier this year the RIKEN Centre for Development Biology published results in the journal Nature, reporting the fast, cheap and ethical production of stems cells by dipping blood cells in acid.

But teams that tried to replicate the reported technique failed, and an investigation found that there had been 'Inappropriate handling" of data.

A statement by RIKEN President’s Prof Ryoji Noyori, said: I would like, first and foremost, to express my deepest regrets that articles published in Nature by RIKEN scientists are bringing into question the credibility of the scientific community.

"The authors of research papers bear full responsibility for all the observations presented in their papers and for their own scientific conclusions resulting from these observations. In particular, authors have a duty to handle the results of their own experiments with utmost care and objectivity.

"The reproducibility and credibility of the STAP phenomenon must be rigorously validated, not only by RIKEN scientists, but also by others. I have instructed our people to cooperate fully with researchers at outside institutions in their efforts to replicate the STAP cell results.

"It is extremely regrettable that significant discrepancies have been found to have been generated in the process of preparing the Nature articles for publication.

"We are investigating these discrepancies, with the understanding that it may become necessary to demand the withdrawal of the articles.

"Should the investigative committee conclude that there was research misconduct, we will take strict disciplinary action as stipulated by our own regulations.

"Research ethics are taken very seriously at RIKEN, and we will be redoubling our efforts to provide guidance and instruction to our scientists to ensure that we live up to society’s expectations.

"A critical attitude is an essential part of scientific research. In our efforts to advance research in the field of regenerative medicine, including iPS cells, we will respond earnestly to any and all scientific and technical questions that arise along the way."