DNA Forensics: Where Are We Now, and What the Future Holds
Since its first use in a criminal case in 1987, the analysis of DNA from biological evidence has revolutionized forensic investigations. The intervening three decades have seen significant advancements in terms of the discrimination power, speed, and sensitivity of DNA profiling methods, as well as the ability to type increasingly challenging samples
”Recent years have seen the expansion of the number of loci included in short tandem repeat (STR) typing kits and standardization of core loci across jurisdictions, allowing for greater cross-border sharing of DNA profiling data.
“
The establishment of databases of offender and crime scene profiles, and of population allele frequencies, have permitted the identification of suspects from crime scene samples and the development of statistical frameworks for evaluating DNA evidence.
e.
When a recovered profile matches one found on a DNA database, or generated from a suspect, DNA evidence can thus be extremely powerful. However, when no profile match is found, when the amount of DNA in a sample is too low, or the DNA too degraded to be analysed, traditional STR profiling may be of limited valu
The advancements
The rapidly expanding field of forensic genetics research has introduced various novel methods that enable the analysis of challenging forensic samples, and that can generate intelligence about the donor of a biological sample.
The rapidly expanding field of forensic genetics research has introduced various novel methods that enable the analysis of challenging forensic samples, and that can generate intelligence about the donor of a biological sample.
