Scientist Resigns Over Anthrax Claims

University of Texas Medical Branch microbiologist John Heggers, who admitted to overstating research on an anti-anthrax product, resigned Monday, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, July 13).

Heggers is facing a university investigation for scientific misconduct for touting Bio-Germ Protection lotion as effective against anthrax, the plague and smallpox. The Dallas Morning News first reported on the matter last month, according to AP. 

A scientific integrity panel at the university found “egregious” misconduct and “excessive and false claims” by Heggers, who had been at the university for 17 years, AP reported.

Heggers countered that the panel was misled by anthrax experts who were intimidated by questions from reporters. “There isn't anything shaky about my science,” Heggers wrote in a response to the panel. “I have devoted my whole career to saving lives not taking them” (Associated Press/Houston Chronicle, Aug. 23).

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