Public interest in the Shroud rests entirely on the possibility of its authenticity. For the skeptic, carbon dating may have already provided the answer. Microbiologists say there is a bacterial coating on the threads that could have altered the dating. Other experts say the 1532 fire that nearly destroyed the cloth could have altered the date. Renowned art experts say it's not a painting and no artist could have produced it.
Medical experts say it's the image of a real human being.
Blood chemists say it is human blood from actual wounds. Spectroscopists say there is no evidence of paint binder. X-Ray radiographers say there is no metallic based substances as might be used in paint. Spectroscopists say there is no significant trace of paint, ink, dye, pigment or stain. Textile experts say there are particles of Egyptian cotton indicating a Mideast origin.