Will DNA Analysis of Hair Samples Confirm the Existence of Bigfoot?
- Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:01pm by
Liz Klimas
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(Image: Wikimedia)
LONDON (The Blaze/AP) — Calling all collectors of supposed bigfoot hair samples: European researchers want to analyze its DNA to help crack the mystery of whether Bigfoot exists.
(Related: Did scientists find ‘irrefutable evidence’ of Siberian Yeti?)
In a project announced this week, Oxford University and Lausanne Museum of Zoology scientists appealed to museums, scientists and yeti aficionados to share samples — cryptozoological material — thought to be from the mythical ape-like creature.
(Related: Spokane woman says that might be bigfoot in video from her hiking adventure)
Researchers plan to focus on hair samples to determine the species it originated from. New genetic tests will be done on just a few strands, and completed within weeks. Even if the sample is judged to come from an unknown species, scientists should be able to tell how closely it is related to other species, including apes or humans.
Bryan Sykes of Oxford University said the group had already received offers of samples to test, including blood, hair, and items supposedly chewed by Bigfoot. Sykes and colleagues plan to sift through the samples for the next few months before deciding which specimens to test. They will then publish their results in a peer-reviewed journal.
Sykes said evidence already exists of interbreeding between homo sapiens and Neanderthals, which could have played a role in the yeti’s origins.
He said he has always been intrigued by stories of yeti sightings, but he would rely on science rather than such tales to prove if the stories are credible. “It’s not really possible to fabricate DNA evidence,” he said.
This was long believed by Nepalese monks to be a yeti finger. DNA analysis showed it was not. (Photo: BBC)
“Theories as to their species identification vary from surviving collateral hominid species, such as Homo neanderthalensis or Homo floresiensis, to large primates like Gigantopithecus widely thought to be extinct, to as yet unstudied primate species or local subspecies of black and brown bears,” Sykes said in a statement. “Mainstream science remains unconvinced by these reports both through lack of testable evidence and the scope for fraudulent claims. However, recent advances in the techniques of genetic analysis of organic remains provide a mechanism for genus and species identification that is unbiased, unambiguous and impervious to falsification.”
Yeti sightings in the United States. (Image: Wikimedia)
He acknowledged that the chances of proving the existence of a new yeti species are low, but said that the study was still worthwhile. “If we don’t look, we’ll never find out,” he said.
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Comments (106)
Parenthetical Comments
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 9:49pmConfirm? Confirm? Was there ever any doubt?
Report Post »Macman1138
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 7:08amI always said if you want to find Bigfoot, use a blood hound.
Bigfoot has to crap, pee and does not bathe. Nothing else can smell like it at all.
Use a blood hound.
And DNA analysis.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:27amNever in doubt, the first lady’s DNA confirms they exist.
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 1:00pmDepends on who you ask. I can put forth a panel of experts who are convinced Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are real. These experts can produce physical evidence that Claus or the Bunny was in their home: Presents, candy, hidden eggs, empty glasses of milk, cookie crumbs, etc. Case closed.
Report Post »forthepeople
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 9:19pmThe bone was from Cornel sanders !
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 6:52amCornel Sanders ? Related to Cornel West ? Lol.
Report Post »Hickory
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 9:04pmThe samples actually came from the head scarf of a famous person.
Report Post »ALL4FREEDOM
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:51pmWhy do spoilsports have to take the fun out of everything? This is like explaining a magic trick. It‘s better that we don’t know and just amuse ourselves over speculation. Where’s the harm in that?
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:16amI lived in Washington State beginning in 1963. We used to go backpacking and scare the s**t out of each other with stories about Big Foot and his cousin, the Wendigo. Don’t solve the mystery. People have too much fun with it.
Report Post »Jimbo65
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:37pmAll these years of searching and not even a carcass. Bigfoot lives with the pixies. However some folkes continue to make money off the myth.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:09amYep, Discovery Channel, The History Channel, and Animal Planet.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:27amMaybe bigfeet live a 1,000 years…Or they are secret government agents. Special operations, they were the real bin laden shooters.
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 1:12pmJimbo65,
Report Post »You hit the nail on the head. With the fame and fortune that would come with presenting Bigfoot, dead or alive, it is laughable to think these sightings and claims are valid. Especially with the hunters who allegedly see this creature. I‘m a fair shot and I’ve been startled by snakes. I’ve identifed my target and then fired. I‘m not sure I’m gonna pee my pants and lock up when Bigfoot makes an appearance. Apparently, that is is the consistent reaction with all hunters. So Bigfoot either has psychic powers, is bullet/arrow/trap proof or all the hunters and trappers who’ve seen it are too humane to put it down. Do you really buy that last conjecture? People get shot (allegedly) for wearing hoodies, but big, hairy legends get a pass. This does not pass the smell test.
My wife recently helped a little boy who was “bit by a snake.” His little female playmate set him and others straight: It was a “tat-uh-pillar”. The boy was having a minor reaction to the spines or nettles on the creepy crawly he was handling. But it was sure cute to hear how dead-serious he was that a snake got him.
broker0101
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:36pmNo. Next Question.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:02pmIn Florida we have a Blonde version… we call it Rep Debbie.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:07pmSomebody should grab one off of Michelle Obama
Thevoice
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:31pmThanks Monk ….This moring we saw more on the story with the kid in the washer…Ok I have been saying time and time again somehow today these stories go hand and hand with each other ..Now this moring I ask the question . What is a …Sakia….? And It is becomeing aparent the answer may be in the DNA testing of this missing ape…
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:39pmHIDDEN, That’s already been identified. Holstein Dairy Cow.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:06amand it talks and talks and talks but no one can figure out what it is saying
Report Post »yetibunker
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:57pmsampling has already been done recently my DR melba ketchum. she will release the result soon it is supposed to be from a juvenile shot by a hunter. go ahead and make fun of me!
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:16pmI know they find a new species every now and then. I wouldn’t say either way concerning bigfoot.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:31pmI think I saw one in Detroit… Can I shoot it?
Report Post »bitemebiden
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 7:35amShe‘s doing a hair analysis on an actual juvinile big foot to see if it’s a big foot? Why, doesn’t she already have the evidence in front of her? What will she compare this hair analysis with? Another big foot?
Report Post »heyjim55
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:57pmAddressing this story they have already found hair samples and tested them and the results were that it was from a unknown animal. Vocal recordings of what is believed to be from a Sasquatch tested at a New Mexico university where they specialize and have the largest data base for mamals revealed that it also was from aunknown primate. This animal exists and with the proliferation of drones it’s a matter of time before they get a good look at one. I live in Washington state and the majority of the population here already know it exists, sorry for those who make fun of it think what you want . On another note I agree there are more important things going on in the world and the Blaze should stick to what it does best and live Big Foot to the BFRO.
Report Post »Macman1138
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 7:10amI was going to bring up the points you just made, but thanks for your post.
Report Post »Well said.
TheJeffersonian
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 1:48pmDo you have a reputable source for that claim? All I can find claiming it’s true are conspiracy theorists and cryptozoologist nutbags.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:52pmWhen Sykes says… there is evidence of breeding between Humans and Neanderthals… two different Spieces… he is risking being Declared just as Insane… as the American Teachers who present Neanderthal as an Ancestor of Humans!
Socialism, based upon Lies, breeds Contempt for Facts & Truth.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:04pm@lukerw
Neanderthal coexisted with **** sapiens. If any teachers are teaching that they were ancestral to humans, they’re about 60 years behind.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:27pm@QP
Report Post »Visit your local Grade School!
Xpressed
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 12:36am@The Blaze. Really!!!? A person can’t write the scientific term for humans without getting ****? A little too P.C. aren’t we. I guess maybe we should just give the definition and not the short name. Homosapien, homoerectus. **** means human. Have you ever lit a ***(cigarette)? Fred Flintstone had a gay old time. If somethings queer its odd. Ridiculous!
Report Post »TheJeffersonian
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 1:49pm@Luker
You might want to follow your own advice. QP’s exactly correct.
Report Post »reconmarine
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:52pmBigfoot is alot like Obama’s birth certificate. Everyone says they’ve seen it….yet no one can prove it.
Report Post »Tigress1
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:15pmToo funny! :)
Report Post »chips1
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:17pmIf they had to show ID to vote, we would find one.
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 3:05pmZing!
Report Post »dsind
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:44pmafter 50+yrs of bf non proof?
Report Post »come on, blaze………..birthers stand a better chance.
justangry
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:41pmAre you freaking kidding me? Obama appoints a “death czar”, Romney and GOP establishe “Team Nevada” as a shadow party to undermind our republic, Massachussets decides throw away votes and we’re talking about Big FREAKING foot?! You don’t have to outright lie to be dishonest. What were we talking about yesterday? Oh yeah… Americans not honoring the ten comandments? I’m an agnostic an more honest than the holier than thou types at the Blaze.
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:57pmMan you are one whiny b**ch.
Report Post »justangry
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:42pmI thought being an Oathkeeper you were opposed to all that $hit too. Perhaps we took different oaths.
Report Post »RayofDarkSunshine
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 1:04amDude, really,relax. When you read the headline did you not understand that it was going to be a story about bigfoot? What did you think it was going to be, a side by side with the Mooch?
Report Post »justangry
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 1:31am@Ray, When I read the headline, I thought, “I can’t believe I have to get news about our country from RT and other foreign outlets.” How are we supposed to have an informed electorate, when the media is ignoring important stories and printing puff pieces? I expected more out of GB.
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 6:05amJUST. You DO know your hero Adam Kokesh had a show on RT right? Did you ever watch him on RT (Russia Today TV)? You’ve spoken very highly of Kokesh in the past, so I thought I’d remind you of that fact. Also your other hero little Ronnie Paul has found RT to be a good outlet for interviews and very, very credible. And in kind, RT has spoken very, very highly of little Ronnie. Little Ronnie Paul also finds Iranian TV to be a great place for doing interviews. I’m pretty sure both outlets see Paul (embarrassment to the GOP)… along with Kokesh (embarrassment to our Military) as a couple of useful idiots (embarrassments to our country).
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 7:38amWhat is the rant about? Kind of blasting all over the place.
Report Post »justangry
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 7:43am@Time2, You’re confused. I remember the conversation and said I knew very little about Kokesh. To this day, I don’t know a lot about him other than a few clips here and there and his Veterans for RP page. I didn’t see him on RT and the only time I ever see RT are from clips from other sources. They usually only get posted when other news outlets ignore something important. I don‘t know what you’re talking about with regards to RP and Iranian news. I’ve seen one clip where he gave an interview to one Muslim, but that was in Washington. Do you have a link? Even if… still beats a draft dodging Harvard lawyer who wants to take away my rights and hand over keys to the country to the UN and Federal Reserve. I mean the GOP really didn’t give you much to get behind with Romney. I mean it must eat you up inside fighting for team GOP (Team Nevada, actually) knowing they’ve picked such a douche progressive as their figure head.
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 8:24amJUST. The Ron Paul links to whatever foreign (news, lol), agency Paul talks to is on the internet for anyone who cares to look.
Unless I AM confused… I thought I read a couple times where you mentioned Kokesh’s name along with “Vets for Paul” holding rallies for Paul, talked him up and what he’s doing (I DO have a pretty good memory for an old Warrior). One mention by you was the Vets for Paul (Adama Kokesh) march in DC where all the “participants” turned their backs from the White House and saluted for a half-hour in the “opposite” direction?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but that‘s why we had that conversation if I’m not mistaken…
Report Post »justangry
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 11:18amI did like the Veterans for RP march on Washington. I think it‘s appauling that it wasn’t picked up by the media just because of who they supported politically because of the ceremonies they held. I mean, I’ll gladly stand with any veteran who honors our fallen brothers and draws attention to the problem of suicide our troops are facing these days. Largely based on the prescriptions and multiple tours they’re facing. It’s no longer a one year hitch, and a lot of these guys who have had enough are being sent back on SSRI’s where suicide is listed as a side effect. That’s not right. You can get behind that, can’t you? I do suscribe to the Veterans for Paul group. Adam Kokesh just organized the two marches. It’s just a place for Veterans who support Paul can share information. It‘s not like we’re being led by Kokesh or anything, but I do like Ron Paul for many of the same reasons he does. Our politcians are treating the military like animals for their own selfish reasons while stripping away the freedom we all swore an oath to protect. I know you don’t buy it, but we think RP would restore our freedoms and treat our servicemen as the best this country has to offer. I don’t know the dude personally, and seen like 3 clips he’s put together. None of which do I have a problem with. I’m still planning on marching with him in August. If he turns out to be a douche, I’ll concede you were right.
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 2:57pmJUST. Anyone, ANYONE (especially Vets), who connects themselves, talks up Adam Kokesh in ANY positive light or attends one of his “functions” is NOT doing their research and IS being a useful idiot.
PLEASE don’t tell me you are a useful idiot for Kokesh. PLEASE don’t tell me that. Kokesh is a tool, and was a useful idiot for Russia. You need to dig brother…. DIG!
The Ron Paul campaign has even disassociated itself from this turd. It takes Ron Paul a very longggg time to disassociate itself from some of the crap that follows him around… did you ever wonder why that is? Every useful idiot has their purpose…
Report Post »justangry
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 3:34pmNope, I’m not doing anything for Kokesh. TBH, I’d rather be in the river fly fishing than pushing this crap. I would be too if the jerk-wad politicians didn’t render the Bill of Rights meaningless with all their post 9/11 BS legislation.
Report Post »West Coast Patriot
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 3:15amTime_2, It does not matter what you say at this point, Paul is going to win.
42 USC 1971 – Sec. 1971. Voting rights:
…
(b) Intimidation, threats, or coercion
No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of such other person to vote or to vote as he may choose, or of causing such other person to vote for, or not to vote for, any candidate for the office of President, Vice President, presidential elector, Member of the Senate, or Member of the House of Representatives, Delegates or Commissioners from the Territories or possessions, at any general, special, or primary election held solely or in part for the purpose of selecting or electing any such candidate.
Federal law trumps State law and Party rules. Delegates at the National Convention may vote on the first round for any candidate they choose, vote their conscience. There will be over 1150 Ron Paul supporters as delegates at the convention, the question is, how many more than 1150?
Report Post »Windsong
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:38pmI realize that these ‘researchers’ spend most of their time in the caverns of the learned, but perhaps someone should alert them to the fact that their nations are about to become non-entities. It might be easier for them to understand if you tell them that non-countries cannot give them grants, pay them to ‘study’ things or consider them anything other than selfish, elite snobs who seem to be bored by the idea of collectively doing something positive for their fellow man. Talk about stuck on stupid…
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:10pmWe can learn a lot from the fictitious Sasquatch.
We will soon be living like they supposedly do.
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:30pmIf Bigfoot is anything, it’s Inkidu, Nereus, Minotaur.
Personifications of duality woven into the psyche.
Or not.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:12pmor just a left over hippie from the sixties, still tripping on that brown-bag acid, when he comes to, Obama will appoint him czar of the woods.
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 11:35pmLysergiczar ?
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:23pmI wish they could find a reason to explain Encinom’s stupidity.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:19pm@scuba13
That’s easy…. Ecinomunist is Debbie Wasserman Schultz and also Cousin to Ed Shultz.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 3:12amTHE-MONK
Report Post »And I thought encino was their offspring…………….
MCDAVE
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:22pmthe results will be inconclusive…no money in proving he does not exist
Report Post »chips1
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:22pmDid they get the hair off a discarded Coke can?
Report Post »Anton Phibes
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:21pmI hope he’s real. Along with all the other monsters and aliens. Life would suddenly become much more exciting, I think.
Report Post »trueamerican40
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:21pmI know Sasquatchs exist—Pelosi is a prime example.
Report Post »imfrzn
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:19pmWill DNA Analysis of Hair Samples Confirm the Existence of Bigfoot?
NO!!!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:11pmIf you want to find big foot look to Reid or Soros.
Report Post »imfrzn
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:24pmAgree, however these are defective genetic descendants of the “Big Foot” family commonly known as “Big Ego’s”
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:42pm@IMFRZN – true.
Report Post »KeystoneState
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:11pmBigfoot and Obama’s birth certificate have a lot in common.
Report Post »Excomunicatedmarine
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:07pmI keep seeing pictures of a female one..”…………hanging out in the whitehouse.
I can’t believe I just said that……..
Report Post »moussiagilda
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:07pmI’m not Bigfoot.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:06pmThe guilty Yeti barks first….
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