A prominent biochemist at Duke University has asked it to open a formal inquiry into retractions of two of his papers, according to a letter he wrote in this week’s issue of the science journal Nature (subscription required). The papers were retracted in February. The retractions received notice in May, when Nature published an editorial and article about them.

The retractions had prompted conflict between the professor, Homme W. Hellinga, and a former student of his, Mary A. Dwyer. Mr. Hellinga had earlier sought an inquiry into potential research misconduct by her, but a university committee cleared Ms. Dwyer of the charge.

Now, in light of the Nature coverage in May (which, Mr. Hellinga writes, has “provided opportunity for misunderstanding and misinterpretation”), he has requested a second inquiry, into his own actions.

“My request,” he writes, “has been granted by the university.” —Lila Guterman