DNA and Bin Laden’s Positive ID (Wall Street Journal)

Wall Street Journal ^ | May 6, 2011 | Carl Bialik

[UniqueViews]

My print column examines the math of DNA-based identity testing, in light of the technique's use by the U.S. to confirm the identity of the body believed to be Osama bin Laden's. Though a government official said that an initial test showed with 99.9% certainty that bin Laden had been killed, and later tests were "absolutely conclusive," not all details have been released, including whose genetic material was used for comparison. ABC News reported that investigators had subpoenaed a DNA sample from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where a sister of bin Laden's had died of cancer. But a spokesman for the hospital said it hasn't turned up any evidence she was a patient there, nor that her genetic information was subpoenaed.

Earlier this week, before such developments as al Qaeda's apparent confirmation of bin Laden's death, some genetic experts expressed skepticism about the 99.9% figure while saying they didn't have all necessary details to evaluate it. "Given the speed of all of this, the history of the authorities getting it wrong so often in the past, and the lack of details, I'd be very sceptical about this claim," David Balding, professor of statistical genetics at University College, London, wrote in an email. "But I can't say much further without details."

[livius]

It’s possible that it was a urinal or something necessary for OBL’s problem, but he is reported to have had a respiratory problem, too. There was a clear plastic tube shown in some of the photos that went back to a device that is usually used for controlling sleep apnea (and probably other things, too - I don’t know).

[taxesareforever]

I still wonder how the administration can claim a DNA match on the same night as the killing. DNA analysis is never done this quickly, especially from an arab country.

[Louis Foxwell]

That is not a medical clinic. It is a Planned Parenthood abortion mill.

[Elsie]

WHAT photo?