Today's first ruling in Amanda Knox's fourth trial for murder doesn't bode well for a fair trial.

[msanthrope]

80. First of all, like you, my username clearly indicates my gender. Second of all, since the

knife was found in Sollecito's kitchen, perhaps you can explain how Kercher's DNA is on it?

Let's review. The purported murder weapon is found in the boyfriend's kitchen. It has Knox's and Kercher's DNA on it, Knox's on the handle, Kercher's on the tip. And it's looking like further testing will prove that it is, indeed, Kercher's DNA. Can you have DNA without a positive blood sign??

Yes--it's really simple science. Luminol and other substances that test for 'blood' react to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is in red blood cells. It is not in white. So when you are testing for blood stains, you are really testing for red blood cells and the hemoglobin inside them.

White blood cells contain DNA. The red do not.

So it is possible that that knife was cleaned, leaving only white blood cells (that are detectable***.) And you only need 10 cells to amplify and test.

You are talking to a defense attorney who knows that just because there is no positive blood sign, there is still possibly DNA. So, if you are going to make a contamination argument, then you have to explain how the lab, using an 'unsanitary box' managed to only contaminate with white blood cells on the tip of the knife.

The lack of 'blood' on the knife indicates a washed knife that still had enough DNA on it. A contaminated knife would have had red blood cells.

***I suspect this is why the prosecution wants to take the knife apart---where the handle and blade meet, there might be other organic evidence.

FYI--If I had a nickel for every time I had a DUer claim I wasn't an attorney because I told them something they didn't want to hear, I'd be rich.