NAS Continues Amerithrax Review

This short article from Frederick, Maryland, updates us on the National Academy of Sciences' review of the FBI forensics data gathered in its pursuit of the Amerithrax perpetrator.

A microscopy expert said there was nothing unique about the silicon found in the anthrax spores recovered from the 2001 letter attacks.

The presentation Friday to a scientific panel confirmed nothing new but provided the group, convened by the National Academy of Sciences, a glimpse into the investigative science used in the wake of the nation's first major bioterrorism event.

"I think the letter powders are not unique with respect to (silica) and (oxygen) elemental signatures," said Joseph Michael of Sandia National Laboratory.
------------
Michael said it was clear the silicon in the spores occurred naturally and were not added to weaponize the bacteria. The same study of the RMR-1029, a flask of liquid Ames strain anthrax investigators think Ivins drew from to create the powder anthrax, did not contain silica, Michael said.

He said the elemental signatures in the spores from the Daschle, Leahy and New York Post letters were indistinguishable.

Interesting, but in the end, not really telling about whether the FBI did or did not "get its man." Hat tip to George Smith!