Mamma Mia! First the parades/statues get cancelled, now turns out Columbus might not be Italian

[get these nets]

Just did a search. Thought the results were supposed to released by October of this year. Haven't seen anything.

 

[get these nets]

International experts slam alleged Columbus DNA findings: ‘Commenting on this is like commenting on aliens’​

World leaders in this field condemn the way in which the data on the supposed origins of the explorer has been released and question its validity

José Antonio Lorente holds a skull during the filming of the documentary 'Columbus DNA: His True Origins.'TVE
Oct 17, 2024

Some of the world’s leading DNA researchers are shocked by how the results of the analysis of the alleged remains of Christopher Columbus have been presented. José Antonio Lorente — a forensic scientist from the University of Granada in Spain, who was responsible for this research — claimed that Columbus was likely a Sephardic Jew who lived on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. This claim challenges the dominant historical view, which holds that Columbus was Genoese. Lorente’s hypothesis is reportedly based on a partial DNA analysis of the supposed remains of Columbus and his son, Hernando.
What has alarmed scientists is that these claims were released through a “film,” as Lorente himself described the documentary Columbus DNA: His True Origins, co-produced by the Spain’s state-owned broadcaster TVE, which attracted a record audience of over two million viewers when it aired on October 12. Yet no independent expert opinions or solid, peer-reviewed facts were presented.
The story about Columbus’ DNA has spread worldwide, receiving coverage from prestigious media outlets, yet not a single critical voice or independent opinion has been included. According to sources consulted for this report, the actions of José Antonio Lorente — who has controlled the study of the alleged remains of Columbus for over 20 years — along with TVE, represent an attack on the scientific method. This method typically requires new findings to be shared in a way that allows other researchers to review and verify the results or identify any potential errors.
It seems easy to use the power of DNA to claim that Columbus was a Sephardic Jew born on the Iberian Peninsula, but all the experts who spoke to EL PAÍS argue it is impossible to reach such a conclusion. Researchers caution that such an unsubstantiated announcement tarnishes the reputation of the broader scientific community. Since the documentary aired, Lorente has stated that he will not answer questions until he gives a press conference in November, when he plans to present the results. He has promised that the findings will be published in an international scientific journal, so that they are accessible to all researchers and experts. However, as of now, no one has seen the data.
Full article

International experts slam alleged Columbus DNA findings: ‘Commenting on this is like commenting on aliens’

World leaders in this field condemn the way in which the data on the supposed origins of the explorer has been released and question its validity

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