Darby Orcutt: Sasquatch Sample Analysis | ST 047
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In this installment of Sasquatch Tracks, we are joined by researcher and educator Darby Orcutt, who discusses an ambitious new project that is seeking to collect and analyze anomalous biological samples, in an effort that could ultimately help reveal the existence of relict hominoids like Sasquatch.
Darby Orcutt is a faculty member at North Carolina State University where he is a librarian, instructor, and researcher. He teaches and writes about science, technology and society while also building collaborative scientific teams to tackle complex problems and fostering conversation between researchers and the broader public. However, Darby is known for his work at the intersection of science and the strange.
Have you found a biological specimen that seems to be unusual? Orcutt and his colleagues are currently seeking to analyze such samples (including genetically), and those who submit their samples will receive any forthcoming results. You can learn more about Orcutt’s project by clicking here.
Also, if you are interested in contributing to this study of allegedly morphologically anomalous samples (which could help us to test more samples and conduct deeper analyses), a tax-deductible gift to NC State University can be made here.
Stories and other links discussed in this episode:
- Chinese zoo defense of their bears being real, not people in suits
- Scientists claim to have revived 42,000 year old Nematodes
- Century-old samples reveal the brain of the Tasmanian tiger
- Golden tamarins, once close to extinction, rebound
- Matt Pruitt’s Book The Phenomenal Sasquatch
- The Passing of Peter Byrne
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Hello,
Wouldn’t a DNA sample purported to be that of a sasquatch prove nothing unless the sample is compared to say gorilla DNA. this would prove it to be at least a primate?
If, afterall, it was collected in the forest, it could well be that of any species? In other words a comparison needs to be done to prove in which animal order it’s in.
Marilyn,
Thanks for your interest in the study. I believe I discussed this in the podcast interview, but to make it clear in brief and easy language:
There are two basic steps involved in looking at any DNA sample:
1) It must first be sequenced in the lab – which produces unique sequencing data for the specific sample (represented by a long string of the letters A,C,G, & T).
2) Next, the sequences are analyzed using a computer – which exactly IS a process of comparing the data with the sequences of known species. How closely any given sample matches known sequences tells us exactly where it fits within the evolutionary “map” of all life on earth, regardless of whether it were a previously known or unknown species.