The Obokata Method

The Obokata Method is a scientific technique developed by Japanese researcher Haruko Obokata for creating stem cells, known as STAP (Stimulus-Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency) cells. This method involves exposing ordinary cells to specific environmental stimuli, such as stress or changes in pH, to reprogram them into a pluripotent state, meaning they can develop into any type of cell in the body. The approach suggested a simpler and potentially more accessible way to generate stem cells, but subsequent investigations raised concerns about the experiments' validity and reproducibility, leading to significant controversy in the scientific community.