Bone Fragments Found In South Pacific Did Not Yield Conclusive Evidence

Test on bone fragments which searchers hoped would lead to a definitive answer in what may be the world's most famous missing persons case did not turn up the evidence they were hoping for.

After testing the fragments found on a South Pacific island, along with other artifacts, scientists at the University of Oklahoma said they could not be certain they were from Amelia Earhart. The fragments, along with makeup and old bottles, were found on Nikumaroro Island nearly 2,000 miles south of Hawaii.

About a half gram of bone remains, and the scientists said they will not test that sample. Instead, it will be stored until less destructive testing methods are developed, and DNA tests may be more sensitive. The Associated Press reports that one researcher said it was a long shot to get usable DNA samples from 70 year old bones.

Another team thinks they may have found the wreckage of the Lockheed Electra Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan were flying when they disappeared. The airplane, which has not been positively identified, is in about 200 feet of water off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

FMI: www.ou.edu