The University of Missouri News Bureau released this statement on Feb. 8, 2007:
COLUMBIA, Mo. - On April 25, 2006, an allegation of research misconduct concerning an article that appeared in Science magazine was made to University of Missouri-Columbia Provost Brian Foster. That article was: Deb K, Sivaguru M, Yong HY, and Roberts RM. 2006. Cdx2 gene expression and trophectoderm lineage specification in mouse embryos. Science. Feb 17;311(5763): 992-996. Pursuant to the Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri, Section 420.010, an inquiry was promptly begun into the charge of research misconduct concerning the article.
After an inquiry committee was appointed to gather and review evidence, the University determined that there was not enough evidence available to file misconduct charges against two of the article's authors, M. Sivaguru and H.Y. Yong. After additional investigation, the Provost determined that the evidence available does not support a charge that R. Michael Roberts, Curators' Professor of animal science and biochemistry, "intentionally, knowingly or recklessly" fabricated or falsified data or results or the reporting of them, or that he directed other individuals to do so, or that his actions leading to the publication of the article "constituted a significant departure from accepted practices of a relevant research community." Therefore, University charges of research misconduct against Dr. Roberts have been dismissed, and the University's inquiry/investigation as to Dr. Roberts has been terminated.
The investigation of research misconduct concerning the remaining author, K. Deb continues at this time. Charges of research misconduct are not in themselves proof of guilt, and no determination as to Dr. Deb has been made.