Innovators
As humans, we tend to believe a lot of what we see on television or in the media. Therefore, shows such as, CSI or Criminal Minds, may have a large impact on what we think forensic science is. On these shows, detectives find evidence on the scene and by running tests they are able to find the DNA of a person off of fingerprints left on surfaces, hair, blood samples, etc. However, what if this evidence was planted there? Maybe the so called evidence is not actually DNA from the person who committed the crime. The truth of the matter is that this is possible. Criminals do have the ability to “plant” evidence to make it appear that someone else has committed the crime that they actually did. In fact, criminals actually have the ability to construct a DNA sample without even having met or obtaining tissue from the person.
Nucleix is a life science company that specializes in forensic DNA analysis. They have made innovations in deciphering the authenticity of DNA samples found at a crime scene. Another possible source for false DNA is accidental contamination in the forensic lab. Nucleix has developed an assessment to help differentiate between in-vitro synthesized DNA and in-vivo generated DNA. They are now currently working on a second generation assessment in hopes to incorporate the substantiation of DNA process into the standard forensic procedure. The DNA authentication evaluation receives a DNA sample that is processed biochemically along with an automatic signal analysis as input. It then outputs a conclusion as to whether the DNA is natural or artificial. “The first generation assay is based on detection, quantification, and sodium bisulfite sequencing of specific target genomic loci, and analysis of their methylation patterns. The second generation assay, currently under development, employs different biochemical and analysis tools achieving a more comprehensive solution.” Nucleix hopes that this procedural kit will become part of the standard forensic process because it is easy to use, requires very little training, and allows for the differentiation between actual and artificial DNA evidence. In order to ensure its capabilities, the kit is regularly tested with natural DNA samples and artificial DNA samples which are synthesized in a variety of methods.
The FBI, CSI, and other police department forensic labs are also very important innovators in the crime scene analysis field. All three of these help in investigations of crimes. They have specific jurisdictions of crimes, but ultimately, they all have the capacity to investigate on crime scenes. However, the problem with any of these forensic labs is they do not have the current technology in how to distinguish between actual and fabricated DNA. Even though Nucleix has developed a technology that can be used to help differentiate between the DNA, the forensic labs do not yet have these technologies in place. Therefore, even though the ability may be there, the tools are not be utilized to their full aptitude. Instead of verifying whether or not the found DNA samples are even real, most companies or labs compare it to their database to see whether or not it matches known criminals or evidence from other crime scenes.
Technology is constantly changing and growing, this includes the means used in crimes which are committed. In order to continue investigating criminal scenes and cases to the best of their ability, forensic scientists must also constantly change and grow in their methods of research and analysis.