Stem cell research may not be as dispassionate and objective as the public thinks, if a complaint by a group of stem cell researchers is taken seriously. In an open letter to journal editors, 14 leaders in the field have taken the unusual step of alleging that good papers are being sabotaged, and mediocre papers are being over-publicised.

Some researchers are abusing the peer-review process by blocking or delaying rival research, they say. "Papers that are scientifically flawed or comprise only modest technical increments often attract undue profile. At the same time publication of truly original findings may be delayed or rejected". The letter is the culmination of rising concerns about the rejection of good research, and the publication of poor research, for personal or political reasons.

Sometimes, they say, reviewers demand further experimentation, which allows another researcher to scoop rivals with a similar paper. "It's hard to believe except you… click here to read whole article and make comments