Faking DNA testing?

Within discussion of the National Enquirer reporting of the Edwards affair is a reference to a plan "to fake a DNA test." Some of the concern over ClimateGate relates to the possibility of manipulating or faking data. Further, the IPCC relied on a questionable source in its 2007 report as to the status of glaciers in the Himalayas.

On the identity of authors as a proxy for accuracy, the Edwards story did not get much early traction because of the source. The National Enquirer does not have the highest standing in the public mind for credibility. In the end, in this case, the National Enquirer was right about the paternity issue and John Edwards did acknowledge paternity of the child with Rielle Hunter.

Going back a decade, one recalls how George Stephanopoulos, on the "This Week" show, denied the accuracy of the story of Monica Lewinsky's blue dress because it was reported by the Drudgereport. Much later, the story proved to be true.

The flip side is also true. Just because someone is a professor from a university does not mean that their testimony is accurate. An MIT professor testified against Edison's light bulb patent. Furthermore, professors can omit facts. [See

What the expert doesn't include in the expert report can be important ]

Cross-reference as to the Edwards story: DAVID PEREL