The U.S. journal Science has asked stem cell pioneer Hwang Woo-suk and U.S. stem cell expert Gerald Schatten to submit data regarding records of DNA fingerprints of somatic and stem cells that were included in their thesis published in the journal.

Science said in a statement Saturday that it is currently attempting to clear up suspicions raised over Hwang’s thesis on stem cell research and will unveil its findings once it comes across new information.

In particular, Science dismissed reports that the journal had discouraged Hwang from responding to press inquiries or from seeking independent replication of his findings, adding that the journal would welcome a verification process by a renowned outside organization.

The journal’s willingness to seek outside verification and the fact it does not oppose the replication of Hwang's research is expected to further heat up the dispute among local academics on the need to conduct an independent re-examination of Hwang’s research findings.