Science Thursday
10.13.11
Scientists continue to challenge the FBI investigation of the anthrax attack, and North Carolina hires a non-scientist to reform its troubled crime lab. Here’s a roundup of this week’s forensics news:
In a forthcoming article in the Journal of Bioterrorism & Biodefense, scientists argue that the chemical signature of the mailed anthrax spores involved in the 2001 attack indicate a high degree of manufacturing skill,
a position contrary to the FBI
. An investigative series from
ProPublica, McClatchy, and Frontline
detail the scientists’ reasons for doubt.
A former judge who was appointed as the interim North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation crime lab director
has been named to that post permanently by the Attorney General
. Members of the legal community expressed disappointment that the Attorney General
did not fulfill his promise to appoint a scientist
. Meanwhile, the Attorney General
wants charges reinstated
in a case that was dismissed due to problems with the blood testing in the case.
A forensic document analyst assisted an Indiana newspaper’s investigation
which found forged signatures
on petitions for primary candidates in the 2008 presidential race.
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