[Swordmaker]

I'm not aware of any more detailed studies beyond blood type. However, even the broad brushed data would prove valuable in showing that it is unlikely to be a forgery. If the blood is middle eastern/semitic - then the European forgery theories fall apart, imho.

I would agree, and a lot of scientists would love to do it. . . but the DNA on the Shroud is just too degraded to even start locating anything that is usable. Too bad.

[Godzilla]

but the DNA on the Shroud is just too degraded to even start locating anything that is usable. Too bad.

Has that been established? I know one of the critical issues is obtaining samples for analysis and the SOT Church officials are very, very reluctant to allow a lot of sampling.