Key facts
- Cell Press investigation found no evidence of bribery allegations against editor Steve Mao.
- Biologist Rao Yi continues to call for Mao's resignation.
- Rao Yi alleges the publisher's greed has been exposed by its statement.
Cell Press, owned by Elsevier, stated on Thursday evening that its investigation into allegations against editor Steve Mao has largely concluded and found no evidence to support claims that he solicited bribes from Chinese scientists. Biologist Rao Yi, a professor at Peking University, has continued to pressure Mao, suggesting he resign to atone to the oncology community. The initial allegations surfaced on October 12, when Rao Yi claimed an international journal editor demanded 2 million yuan for publication. Rao Yi later identified the editor as Steve Mao of Cancer Cell. Mao denied the accusations, reserving his right to legal action. Cell Press initiated an independent investigation, which concluded without finding supporting evidence for the claims.