Delve Report - 1994 03 - March

Magazine Overview

Title: DELNE REPORT
Issue: March 1994
Publisher: Gene Duplantier
Country: Canada
Focus: A newsletter of unusual reports on various subjects, published as an exchange publication.

UFO Abductions and the Forensic Scientist

The lead article, "UFO ABDUCTIONS AND THE FORENSIC SCIENTIST," explores the potential for applying forensic science to UFO abduction cases. For years, victims of UFO abductions have struggled to prove their experiences. Initially, support came from friends or UFO investigators. Later, psychologists offered regressive hypnosis to help victims recover from trauma and understand their experiences. Now, the field is ready for a "quantum leap" with the involvement of forensic medicine and police forensic lab experts. These experts can analyze minute samples of skin, orifices, hair, or clothing to provide evidence. For instance, if an abductee was immersed in a fluid, a skin sample could identify the fluid and its effects. Clothing worn during an abduction can be analyzed for particles from the UFO environment. The article also addresses reports of forced sexual contact with alien partners, suggesting that forensic analysis of mucus membrane samples can provide crucial information, similar to rape kit analysis. Furthermore, secretions from an alien's skin on a victim's skin can be analyzed, and potential alien fingerprints on objects within the victim's environment could be identified by their patterns and invisible residues. The article anticipates future applications, such as analyzing substances trapped in skin pores to diagnose and treat rashes resulting from contact with alien environments.

Experts Fear Spread of Untreatable Bacteria

This section reports on a warning issued by Alexander Tomasz of Rockefeller University. He stated that bacteria causing pneumonia, ear infections, and other diseases are evolving into forms untreatable by known medicines. In a post-antibiotic world, simple infections could escalate into fatal illnesses. Tomasz described this as a looming "medical disaster." Dr. Mitchel Cohen of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention noted that while new drugs might be developed, they are at least five to seven years away. The article cites the increasing worldwide prevalence of pneumococcus resistant to penicillin.

A Star Named Alpha Scam

This article addresses inquiries about naming stars. It clarifies that stars are assigned numbers by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a Paris-based organization. While ancient stars have names like Sirius and Arcturus, and many Arabic names exist, modern astronomical practice assigns numbers for cataloging. The article debunks commercial "star registries" that offer certificates for a fee, stating they are not recognized by the IAU and their services are essentially a scam. Page Miller from the U.S. Copyright Office explains that copyright protects the author of the list, not the star name itself. Mary Juliano from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory calls these registries a scam, emphasizing that "nobody owns the stars."

Crash Victim Identified as Top Scientist

This brief report details the death of Bernard Bourgoin, a 38-year-old scientist killed in a head-on collision. Bourgoin was on the previous year's shortlist for the Canadian astronaut program. Dr. Rod Allan of Environment Canada's National Water Research Institute described him as a "rising star." Bourgoin held degrees in biology, oceanography, and geochemistry.

Vlad Says Russia Has a New Secret 'Sonic Weapon' – and There's No Antidote

This news brief reports on a statement by Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a Russian ultra-nationalist, who claimed Russia has developed a secret sonic weapon. He suggested it could be used if Bosnian Serbs are attacked and stated there is no antidote. The report notes this as a potentially "outlandish publicity stunt."

Landslide Reveals Ancient Citadel

A landslide in Peru's central Andean highlands has uncovered a pre-Columbian citadel dating back approximately 1,000 years, according to archaeologists.

60 Hit by Illness Linked to Quake

This news brief from Los Angeles reports that sixty people have been stricken with Valley Fever, a potentially fatal disease suspected to be linked to the January 17th earthquake. The disease is caused by a fungus found in soil, which releases spores when disturbed. While most infected individuals show no symptoms, 5% develop serious problems.

New Throwing Toy's Aerodynamics Excite the Interest of NASA Experts

This article profiles William Forti, a former General Dynamics executive who lost his job and is now marketing a flying toy called the X-zylo. The 28-gram plastic ring can be thrown the length of two football fields. Experts at NASA are intrigued by its aerodynamic capabilities, particularly the lift created by the ring's spin and gyroscopic effect. NASA sees potential applications for high-altitude research aircraft and possibly in the configuration of bullet or artillery rounds. The X-zylo is currently sold in 170 toy stores in southern California, with plans for national distribution. Forti is also seeking defense conversion funding for potential industrial or defense applications.

The X Factor

This is a review of the television series "The X-Files." It describes the show's premise: FBI agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), who believes in extraterrestrial life due to his sister's abduction, investigates unsolved and shelved "X-files." He is partnered with agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), who is assigned to monitor him and determine if his work is credible. The article notes the show's exploration of universal fears like technology and government, and its "spiritual tingle." Creator Chris Carter is quoted as saying, "I began the show with the notion that everyone wants a religious experience." The review highlights the sexual tension between Mulder and Scully, emphasizing their professional passion and mutual respect, and Carter's vow that their relationship will not become romantic.

'Devastated' Scent Seller Didn't Smell, Colleague Says

This article reports on a court case where a former Calvin Klein Canada fragrance demonstrator, Sharon Bagnall, is suing the company for wrongful dismissal. Her former colleague, Patti Armstrong, testified that Bagnall was "well-groomed and never smelled" and feared Bagnall was heading for a nervous breakdown after being fired for alleged "serious personal hygiene problem." Bagnall reportedly scrubbed herself raw due to distress over the accusation.

Mystery Fumes from Body Fell MD

This brief report describes an incident in Riverside, California, where mysterious fumes emanating from a patient's body caused a doctor and nurse to pass out. The patient, a 31-year-old undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, died, and her body was kept isolated. Coroner's officials were investigating the cause of the fumes, which were noted along with white crystals in the blood and an ammonia-like odor.

Boy, 4, Crushed to Death by Statue

A 4-year-old boy, Cooper Williams, was killed when a statue of the Virgin Mary fell on him at the Our Lady Center in Sykesville, Maryland. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DELNE REPORT revolve around the unexplained, the scientific investigation of phenomena, and the potential for evidence-based conclusions. There's a strong emphasis on applying scientific methods, particularly forensic science, to subjects often relegated to the fringes of belief, such as UFO abductions. The publication also touches upon contemporary issues like the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the public's perception of science, as seen in the poll of scientists and the review of 'The X-Files.' The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous investigation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while remaining open to the possibility of extraordinary events and phenomena that can be studied scientifically.