Karolinska University to investigate stem-cell scientist

Sweden's Karolinska University says it is commissioning an external investigation into stem-cell scientist Paolo Macchiarini, who was cleared last year of misconduct charges related to his creation of wind pipes made from patients' stem cells.

In a statement on Friday, the university said it would commission a lawyer to investigate issues including whether Macchiarini broke any laws or standard scientific protocols.

Last month, Macchiarini was the focus of a Swedish documentary that raised ethical concerns about several operations performed by him, which Karolinska described as "truly alarming." A Vanity Fair article last month also suggested Macchiarini had falsified his CV.

On Thursday, the university announced it was not renewing his contract beyond Nov. 30 and that he was expected to use his remaining time to dismantle his research group.

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