Scientists in Israel have demonstrated that it is possible to fabricate DNA evidence, undermining the credibility of what has been considered the gold standard of proof in criminal cases.
The scientists fabricated blood and saliva samples containing DNA from a person other than the donor of the blood and saliva. They also showed that if they had access to a DNA profile in a database, they could construct a sample of DNA to match that profile without obtaining any tissue from that person.
This has a whole range of 'bad news' written all over it. Adding to the others that if you're in a DNA database, somebody who can get into it can find out all kinds of things about you they're not authorized to. Though I'm sure these databases will be as secure as Triple-I[/sarcasm].
John M. Butler, leader of the human identity testing project at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, said he was “impressed at how well they were able to fabricate the fake DNA profiles.” However, he added, “I think your average criminal wouldn’t be able to do something like that.”
Mr. Butler, one of the problems is that the average criminal might not be able to, but he'll know someone- or know someone who knows someone- who can. For a price.
Add this to all the other 'revealed' uncertainties in forensics and it's going to get real interesting, folks.
1 comment:
Well, DNA has always been a good form of evidence and proof as to really what happened. I believe in DNA, 100%
Post a Comment