Why an Atheist Thinks the Shroud of Turin is the Real Deal

Garza-Valdes and the Scanning Electron Microscope

Garza-Valdes had said: “With a scanning electron microscope, I found the fibers were completely covered by the bioplastic coating (polyhydroxyalkanoate) and by many colonies of fungi which usually thrive on this polymer...” But other scientists find this statement flawed For one thing, there is no way to determine the definitive composition of an organic material by scanning electron microscope. Garza-Valdes provided photomicrograph showing a "filamentous cell" that turned out to be an ultimate cell from the flax structure. Furthermore, it is well known that such polymers (they do exist on some ancient objects) obtain their carbon material from the host (fibers in this case) and not from the atmosphere, hence they do not significantly alter the C14 dating. Even if they could alter the date, the amount of material needed would need to be significant. On this point, Gove took exception with the bioplastic theory and agreed.