Duke University is responding to a lawsuit alleging falsification of research data included in various publications and grant applications.
The research in question was the work of Erin Potts-Kant, a former lab tech studying pulmonary biology. Potts-Kant's work came under scrutiny in 2013 following unrelated charges of embezzlement.
A former lab analyst, Joseph Thomas, later sued alleging that Duke and some of its professors used the information to win federal grant money. The government could recoup up to three times the amount of the alleged fraud. Thomas, who is considered a whistleblower in this case, could receive a reward as well.
According to The Herald-Sun, Duke University investigators say they spoke with Potts-Kant and she admitted to faking the data. They believe it has been used in 29 medical research reports.