Tuesday, March 17, 2009
New Field Of Research Could Help Police In Crime Scene Forensics
TGen (Translational Genomics Research Institute) have found a way to identify possible suspects at crime scenes using a small amount of DNA. Using genotyping microarrays scientist were able to identify an individual’s DNA even if it’s in a mix sample of DNA. They were able to do identity a mix with more than 200 individual DNA samples. This discovery could help police investigators better identify suspects even after dozens of people have been at the crime scene over time. Dr. David W. Craig said "By employing the powers of genomic technology, it is now possible to know with near certainty that a particular individual was at a particular location, even with only trace amounts of DNA and even if dozens or even hundreds of others were there, too.''
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
I find it extremely interesting that they do not need a singular sample to identifiy evidence. I would think it was impossible!!! This would also help with evidence contamination, since they would be able to pick specific data from a group, hat possible could have been at the scene over time. But, in my opinion, it would be difficult to identify the perp specifically, considereing there could be multiple people they would need to cross reference. I like how she gave a quote from the scientist and elobrated on the technology, but I also feel that more examples and cases that this would have been used in should have been added. also,
I thought this was a very interesting article, the thought that DNA could be extracted from multiple samples and using small amounts truly shows how far forensics science has come! It was great that Michelle showed how this new discovery was applicable to the everyday crime scene and it seems like it will be so helpful for the solving of future crimes. It will certainly help with cases that have been hurt by contamination and will definitely aid in tying a suspect to the scene of the crime. Hopefully this new research is solid enough to not raise any questions in court if a suspect is found guilty using this to tie them to the crime scene or else problems could occur. Also with so many possible DNA samples it may lead investigators on a wild goose chase trying to pinpoint their real suspect. Overall I thought this summary was well written and to the point, and I liked that Michelle added a quote, it was very interesting and i learned something new.
Michelle, this was a great article. I was unaware of TGen and how it is involved in forensic science. Its very interesting that by using genotyping, scientists can find a person's DNA - even if its a minute amount. It would be useful to mention who Dr. Craig is (i.g. is a forensic scientist?). Otherwise, informative article.
Wow! I found this article really interesting. It was very shocking to read that they didn't need a singular sample to identify evidence. After reading this article, you realize how far forensic science has come. Reading these articles, you see the accomplishments in real life instead the ones showed on TV shows like CSI. I though Michelle did a good job explaining how these new discoveries related to every day science. These discoveries would help cases evolving contamination and hopefully this discovery is thorough enough to not raise any questions. All in all, Michelle did a nice job.
I found this article very interesting especially since i have never heard of TGen before. You really explained well how DNA can be extracted from several different samples and use very small amounts and how that could really help out forensic scientists in solving crimes. The only thing i would have added was perhaps some specific times when this method was used in forensic science. Other then that great job!
this is a very interesting article on how police can now identify DNA that has been mixed in with other DNA. i believe that the forensic scantiest technology is growing and is continuing to which is making it very hard for crimes to be committed. this is a very well written article.
I really liked this article and I learned a few things from it that I didn't know.
Post a Comment