Disgraced Scientist Loses Stem Cell Research License

SEOUL — South Korea's government Thursday revoked permission for disgraced scientist Hwang Woo-suk to conduct embryonic stem cell research, the latest blow since revelations arose last year that his most high-profile work was based on forged evidence.

The Health Ministry took the step even though the government has not completed its investigation into the scientific scandal.

South Korea had sought to become a global hub for stem cell technology and Hwang's purported breakthroughs in the field had raised hopes worldwide of new cures for hard-to-treat diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The ministry said Hwang was barred from cloning human embryos or receiving eggs for such work.