“Every component in the standard Detrick spore growth can be assayed for silicon content - is there any silicon there, yes or no? If so, how much?”
I see you have my thoughts, but more intelligently stated.
Do you believe the FBI did not test the stocks of anthrax at Detrick for silicon, including the culprit strain?
Good New York Times article on the genetics.
Government testing by a military lab (air force) shows that the silicon spike results from the use of siliconizing solution used in growing the bacteria, which then can be removed from the surface by repeated centrifugation. No measurable silicon was found in the controls. Use of the siliconizing solution leads to greater concentration by dampening the vanderwaals forces according to the DARPA-funded patent which was confidential as of 9/11. When granted, the correspondence came to Ali Al-Timimi’s maildrop. He shared the maildrop with the leading anthrax scientist and former deputy USAMRIID. Ivins did not have access to the biochemistry information and the government has no theory on what might have led to a “silicon signature” in aerosolized anthrax made by him. Their data, moreover, does not support a theory of “natural variability.” It is a waste of time to use the word “weaponized” (undefined) in the debate. Or to debate whether silicon dioxide or a siliconizing solution is a sophisticated additive. The relevant scientific inquiry is whether it leads to the silicon signature and whether the silicon signature appears without it. The answer to the first question is yes. The answer to the second question is no. Dr. Michael’s data merely supports this conclusion. He offers no data that undermines it. His lab has no knowledge of or experiencing with biological processes and did not make the relevant examination that would address this. In making this argument, I am relying on the peer reviewed articles recently published by the air force lab, SEMS provided me by the lab, and the argument made by the head of the lab to me over the past months in correspondence. I myself have no scientific training and defer to the relevant experts who have done the relevant tests and who have the relevant data.