DNA Typing -the new Advances

Introduced in the year mid-1980s, DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, typing has become a significant tool for law enforcement, attorneys and the scientific community as a whole. It is defined as the "fundamental building block for an individual's entire genetic makeup" Thousands of innocent people have been proven innocent due to DNA forensics. Not only that, but there are many cold cases solved after years of storage and it's all courtesy of this latest technology. LawCrossing.com founder A. Harrison Barnes says the traditional VNTR analysis is making way for a faster, more accurate and affordable STR testing, or "short tandem repeats".

So what does this mean for the field of forensic science? The LawCrossing.com founder says all the new technology means the demand for those forensics scientists and technicians who can play a role in this powerful new method will continue to rise.

This new typing system resolves limitations more traditional methods have struggled with over the years. Now, even the smallest sample can be collected and replicated thousands of times with the same or better results. Influences such as contamination, degradation and often, the too-small samples adequate for DNA testing are now surmountable in a scientific setting using short tandem repeats. When DNA is found, regardless of how small the sample may be, it is extracted and then replicated via repeated heating and cooling cycles as well as exposure to an enzyme. This process doubles the DNA quantity and from there, it can be replicated millions of times, making for more confident testimony in courtrooms across the country. The loci, or location, where this occurs can produce a typing profile. Thirteen STR loci have been identified and each has several repeats of different numbers, depending on the person; and from there, identification can then be irrevocably be declared. This method has proven successful in even the most degraded samples and regardless of the age of the sample and is being used in more law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and is being found in more court cases as lawyers begin to recognize the many benefits over traditional testing.

For now, the current methods continue to play a role in courtrooms around the country. More than 120 convictions have been vacated as a result of DNA forensics. Unfortunately, it is estimated evidence no longer exists for about 75% of the post convictions throughout the country, leading many to believe a more streamlined and accurate process for retaining evidence must be developed, especially in light of the number of people proven innocent, after having served years in prison, of crimes they did not commit, says A. Harrison Barnes. Our judicial system is built on the belief that a panel of peers can deem the accused innocent or guilty; the addition of a thirteenth juror, via DNA evidence, is quickly reminding us that we are simply human and therefore, prone to wrong decisions.

Lawyers are keeping forensic scientists on retainer and as a result, an entirely new market is opening up for those most knowledgeable in what is called the greatest advance of our generation.