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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