Using the drug valproic acid “may alter DNA”

NO and NO.

While valproate has been shown conclusively to be a teratogen there is little evidence that this comes from any mutagenic activity.

Aside from its effects on GABA/ion channels, valproate is thought to enhance cell reprogramming through its ability to inhibit histone deacetylases.

Histones, the spool-like proteins that package DNA in the nucleus, can undergo the reversible chemical modification of acetylation.

While acetylation probably makes histone-DNA interactions “looser” and more changeable it does not strip the DNA clean.

Dr Loring undoubtedly knows all of this, and thus needs to edit her staff’s work more closely.