Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 12:03:04
From: Ric Gillespie
Subject: DNA analysis

Ted Campbell asked,

>Ric, what is the latest on the DNA analysis?

The lab has now successfully extracted and sequenced two separate samples of human mtDNA from the material. The profiles match each other, so we now have a reliable picture of what the mtDNA from this person looks like. The next step is to compare that picture with various known reference profiles, looking for disqualifying markers. For example, there is a particular feature that is unique to Pacific islander populations. Earhart's mtDNA should not exhibit that feature. Other features are common to European population, and so forth.

We do not yet have an Earhart or Noonan mtDNA sample to test against and we don't want to make that request until we're as sure as we can be that it's justified. I'll keep the forum informed about the progress of this research as much as I can, but please understand that - for a variety of reasons - we may reach a point where I have to put a lid on it for a little while.

Incidentally, we've now sold 30 of those embroidered TIGHAR and Niku sweatshirts at the special sale price. Once we hit 50 the price goes back up. Get 'em while you can. They really are spectacular. (Each of the Niku shirts takes over 2 hours to embroider on a fast, computerized machine. The image of the island is comprised of over 63,000 individual stitches. If you don't believe me, count 'em.)

Ric
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Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:15:10
From: Marcus Lind
Subject: Merry Christmas

For all Colleagues:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - have a really good and happy 2009! :-)
å
God Bless and best wishes - LTM, Marcus Lind

**************************************

And from us at TIGHAR Central back at ya, Marcus, and to all Forumites.

Pat
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:12:55
From: Mona Kendrick
Subject: Re: Merry Christmas

>For all Colleagues:
>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - have a really good and happy
>2009! :-)
>
>God Bless and best wishes - LTM, Marcus Lind

You too, Marcus, and may Tighar's 2009 be graced with good news concerning a certain smoking gun. :)

--Mona
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:13:21
From: Alan Caldwell
Subject: Re: Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Alan in Texas.

Alan Caldwell
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Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:30:46
From: Bob Hanrahan
Subject: Re: Merry Christmas

>From Marcus Lind
>
>For all Colleagues:
>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - have a really good and happy
>2009! :-)
>
>God Bless and best wishes - LTM, Marcus Lind

And a Very Merry Christmas to you as well, my friend!