Bones of Contention

In 2005, Japanese officials announced that DNA tests on cremated remains returned by North Korea—purportedly those of abductee Megumi Yokota—did not match her DNA. However, the scientist who conducted the tests later admitted they were inconclusive due to potential contamination and the use of a technique called “nested PCR,” which is prone to errors and not standard in U.S. forensic labs. This revelation cast doubt on the initial findings and strained diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea.

READ MORE