Dear friends of Science Genetics and Forensics,

DNA Digital Detectives. New DNA test to solve more cases
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5404402.stm

Tens of thousands of unsolved crimes could be cracked with a new forensic
technique, it has been claimed.
The Forensic Science Service (FSS) is piloting a computer-based analysis system
which can interpret previously unintelligible DNA samples. It claims the
technique is a world first which will boost its crime detection rates by more
than 15%. The method is being tested by the West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire,
Northumbria and Humberside police forces. It allows scientists to pinpoint DNA
samples when more than one individual has touched a surface, where only small
amounts of DNA have been left behind or only poor quality material was found.
FFS DNA manager Paul Hackett told BBC News the pilot scheme "aims to show how we
can deploy that and put that in the police hands so that they can use it
effectively. "This particular technique is based on the foundations of existing
DNA profiling technology so the laboratory-based techniques are exactly the same
as we have used over the last 10 years, so that's very robust, very well
established.


Impact of DNA on crime detection
"This application is a piece of software, along with a forensic scientist, that
can help us interpret previously complex, mixed DNA profiles that the forensic
scientist really couldn't interpret."

'Cold cases'

FSS scientists believe the technique, called DNAboost, could be the key to
countless "cold cases" which have lain dormant in police files. Mr Hackett said
the system could potentially have an impact on both "cold cases" and future
trials. "The beauty of this technology is it's both retrospective and we can
apply it on future cases," he said "So the technique it's best applied to was
introduced a decade ago - the Forensic Science Service has tested over
half-a-million cases in the last 10 years - and we think we can boost the
success rate or our ability to pass on new leads to the police by around 10%.

"So that's tens of thousands of cases going back into history. If we look
forward then we can apply it to cases that are coming into the lab from today."
The pilot will run for three months, after which it is due to be extended to
remaining police forces. Kevin Morten, head of scientific support services at
South Yorkshire police, told the BBC: "If an offender enters a crime scene and
touches a surface they will leave a small trace of DNA; the next person who's in
that scene, or has been in previously, will also leave small traces of DNA.
"Previously we have not been able to split those profiles, but with this
technique we'll be able to do that and that will assist us greatly in further
detecting crime". The FSS can already handle more than 10,000 DNA crime stain
samples each month and about 50,000 DNA samples from individuals.



IMPACT OF DNA ON CRIME DETECTION

CRIME NATIONAL DETECTION RATE DNA DETECTION RATE
All recorded crime 26% 40%
Domestic burglary 16% 41%
Non-domestic burglary 11% 50%
Theft of vehicle 15% 24%
Theft from vehicle 8% 63%
Criminal damage 14% 51%
Source: Home Office (04/05 figures)


HOW POLICE USE DNA
DNA samples taken from blood, hair, semen, etc at crime scene
Sample used to produce unique DNA profile of criminal
Profile helps identify criminal's physical characteristics
Suspects can be tested for DNA match with crime scene
Existing 3.5m samples on DNA database also checked
Mass DNA screenings of village, school, etc may be used
Chance of two people having same DNA - one in one billion





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