As this announcement came floating in, I was thinking about how many dozens of peer-reviewed papers have been published on the Shroud of Turin. It lends credence to the claim that it is the most studied artifact in history. I’m guessing that about 85% support authenticity, 10% do not and 5% are neutral. We need a current list. Here are the details:
Journal: The Journal of Imaging Science and Technology
September/October 2010, vol. 54, no. 5; p. 1-8; ISBN / ISSN: 1062-3701
Title: Turin Shroud: Compatibility Between a Digitized Body Image and a Computerized Anthropomorphous Manikin
Authors: G. Fanti, R. Basso and G. Bianchini, Padua University, Italy
Abstract:
The front image of the Turin Shroud, 1.95 m long, is not directly compatible with the back image, 2.02 m long. In order to verify the possibility that both images were generated by the same human body, a numeric-anthropomorphous manikin was constructed by computer and wrapped in the digitized front and back images. The manikin was made to move, within the limits allowed by normal limb movements, with the aim of finding correspondences between predefined anthropometric points on the Shroud and on the manikin itself. Kinematic analysis showed the most probable position of the arms, which are not completely visible on the Shroud, due to damage during the fire of 1532. A part from the hands afterward placed on the pubic area, the front and back images are compatible with the Shroud being used to wrap the body of a man 175±2 cm tall, which, due to cadaveric rigidity, remained in the same position it would have assumed during crucifixion. The position of this Man was assessed in terms of the angles of the legs and arms and the forward tilt of the head.
You can purchase the paper in pdf form online for $20.00. Or you can obtain a copy at most university libraries.