DNA has become the Gold Standard for establishing identity, while Facial Recognition, Finger Prints and Handwriting Analysis continue to be used. If the costs and delays associated with DNA testing can be lowered, DNA will gain wider use.
To
increase the speed of forensic DNA testing, the scientists built a chip that
can copy and analyze DNA samples taken from a cotton swab. Forensic technicians
can collect DNA from suspects by swabbing their mouth, mixing the sample with a
few chemicals, and warming it up. The DNA-testing-lab-on-a-chip does the rest.
The entire process takes only four hours at present. Hopwood and Zenhausern
teams are already optimizing it and reducing the cycle time down to two hours.
Once that is done, police could even double-check their DNA evidence before
releasing a suspect.
The
cost to match DNA samples, typically referring to a paternity test, can range
from around $130 - $200 for a basic at-home test, while a legal DNA test
required for court purposes can cost between $300 and $500 due to stricter
sample collection and chain of custody procedures involved.
DNA testing has allowed the Courts to reverse Convictions and confirm the perpetrators of crimes. Expanding DNA databases will expand our capabilities to identify criminals. Privacy Laws would likely apply to the general population.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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