The Amelia Earhart vanishing gets nuclear treatment

Scientists at Penn State University are examining a metal patch found on a Pacific island in 1991 to determine if it belonged to Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra plane. Using the university's Brazil nuclear reactor, they analyze the patch for paint particles and etchings not visible to the naked eye. Digital scans reveal ax marks and bending damage, suggesting historical significance. The team plans to confirm their findings with further experiments, aiming to reveal results in late spring 2021.

In what year was the metal patch found, and what is its connection to Amelia Earhart?

Describe the method used by the team to analyze the metal patch.