Excavating MIAs: archaeologists probe Vietnam crash sites for remains of U.S. pilots

Article Abstract:

Archaeological and forensic techniques are used by the Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) to search for and identify remains of Americans missing in action (MIA) in Vietnam. Of 2,162 missing Americans, the JTF-FA has recovered 336 sets of remains and identified 105 of those. The Pentagon has reported that 567 cases, mostly those lost over water, will never be recovered. Although the recovery effort in Vietnam seems to be winding down, the JTF-FA is charged with providing the 'fullest possible accounting' of MIAs.

Investigations, Military aspects, Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975, Archaeological expeditions, Missing in action

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Fingerprinting the dead

Article Abstract:

The Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) in Rockville, MD, established in 1991 to identify remains of US military personnel, frequently handles non-military cases as well. The lab has identified the remains of Czar Nicholas II and disproved the claim by Anna Anderson to be the czar's daughter, Anastasia, based on mtDNA evidence. In 'current death' investigations, AFDIL conducts nuclear DNA testing on chromosomal DNA. The lab identified remains of Branch Davidians who died at Waco, TX.

Research, DNA testing, DNA identification, Identification, Identification (Physical)

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Hounding the dead; a remarkable Michigan mutt sniffs out ancient human remains

Article Abstract:

A dog sniffing out burials of ancient human remains is described as an example of the services provided by Canine Solutions Inc, a Virginia-based company training dogs for all manner of tracking and cadaver search.

United States, Services, Police dogs, Canine Solutions Inc.

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