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Differing Conclusions The researchers performed a statistical analysis which involved each of the 256 configurations and concluded that there is a strong difference in the 14C concentration of the small rectangle used in the tests, with the upper-right corner being about 300 years younger than the lower left corner. According to Ballabio, the study shows that the sample must have been substantially contaminated. "The statistical tests performed by the labs assumed a 14C homogeneity in the samples, but my statistical evaluation shows exactly the opposite and puts into serious question the validity of the dating. Since a 300-year difference is present in a few square inches, one must wonder how this data translates into a 14- by 4-foot-long linen," Ballabio said. According to Raymond Schneider, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science at Bridgewater College in Virginia, Ballabio's paper might be an important new contribution to support the request for new tests on the shroud. "I have not seen Ballabio's paper, but if he really succeeded in improving the estimation of any gradient present, we can say that there are serious and compelling reasons to consider the sample site anomalous or contaminated or both," Schneider told Discovery News. For his part, Ramsey, an expert in the use of carbon dating in archaeological research, is keeping an open mind toward the new hypothesis. "Everyone who has worked in this area, radiocarbon scientists and all of the other experts, need to have a critical look at the evidence that they've come up with in order for us to try to work out some kind of coherent story that tells us the true history of this intriguing cloth," he said. Related Links: Rossella Lorenzi's blog: Archaeorama |
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