Forensics

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Forensics

• (DNA Technology)

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What is DNA?

• DNA is the carrier of genetic information and
  provides a structural plan for proteins.
• It consists of linear linked nucleotides whose
  sequence forms hereditary.
• The DNA is in the form of a double helix and is
  made up of four bases adenine, thymine, cytosine
  and guanine.

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DNA Uses for Forensic Identification

• DNA is used in forensics to
• Identify potential suspects if their DNA matches
  DNA found at crime scene
• Prove possible innocence of people wrongly
  accused of crime
• Identify crime and catastrophe victims
• Show paternity and other family relationships
• Identify endangered/protected species (can be
  used to prosecute poachers)
• Detect bacteria polluting air, soil, water, food
• Match organ donors with organ receivers
• Determine pedigree

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Solving Crimes

• DNA can be used to identify criminals with
  incredible accuracy when biological evidence
  exists.
• Still not used to convict people for a long time
  as juries didnt understand how the DNA evidence
  proved anything.
• Samples could be contaminated easily.

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Fingerprinting

• Any type of organism can be identified by
  examination of DNA sequences. To identify
  individuals, 13 DNA regions are scanned. Each
  region varies from person to person. The unique
  data provided by an individual is used to create
  a DNA profile which is also known as their
  fingerprint. There is an extremely small chance
  that another person has the same DNA profile for
  a particular set of regions.

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CODIS Database

• The COmbined DNA Index System
• A database containing DNA collected from crime
  scenes
• Has DNA profiles of individuals convicted of
  felony sex offences and other violent crimes
• Uses computer software to search the DNA profiles
  to match biological evidence gathered at crime
  scenes.

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Moral Problems

• Having DNA contained in a national database
  breaches confidentiality rights and the privacy
  of an individual
• If someone is a suspect, should forensic teams be
  allowed to collect DNA samples without the person
  knowing?
• Can DNA from dead persons be collected or
  registered, as they cannot be suspected or
  prosecuted?

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Future Applications

• To have everybodys DNA and fingerprint on a
  database
• This comes back to Moral Issues, some people feel
  it is against their rights to have their DNA and
  fingerprints on file.
• Although this could prevent most crimes from
  happening in the first place as if everybodys
  DNA and fingerprints are on file the offender is
  more likely to be caught.

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The End

• Thanks for your time!
• Any Questions?