DNA Fingerprints: A New Key for Crime Investigations

All of us have distinctive fingerprints and DNA is what the police have used to capture many criminals who otherwise would have surely escaped conviction.

This technique of identifying people with their fingerprints came into existence from the 1930's. The latest finding in the forensic labs is the DNA fingerprint that is not similar to the traditional fingerprint that can be surgically changed. DNA fingerprints cannot be in any way distorted by any technology or science because the DNA present in the cells, tissues and organs of an individual is the same.

Furthermore, this technique is also used to determine genetic disorders in an individual as well as in to-be born babies. It has so much potential in identifying disorders that experiments have proved from a bloodstained cloth that Abraham Lincoln was suffering from a genetic disorder known as Marfan's Syndrome.

There are six stages in the process of getting relevant information from a DNA fingerprint. Only an expert can perform all the activities and submit a report of the findings.

-DNA extraction - DNA is generally drawn from the cells and tissues like hair, blood or skin is enough.

-Removing, sizing and assorting - Restriction enzymes are catalysts that help in cutting and removing the DNA from particular parts of the body. With the help of electrophoresis extracted DNAs are assorted or classified according to their sizes.

-Placing DNA on nylon sheets - The extracted DNA is then spread over and soaked all night on a nylon sheet that already has a gel coating.

-Investigation - The fourth and fifth step involves examining of the DNA where radioactive or colored rays are transited into the nylon sheet to form a distinctive pattern called the DNA fingerprint.

-Examining DNA fingerprinting - Eventually the final DNA fingerprint is established after a series of investigation. It is typically like the bar code seen in branded items.

DNA fingerprinting is not only used in crime investigation but also in diagnosing many genetic maladies. This also helps in finding effective remedies for such health disorders. Determining The Existence Of Any Genetic DisorderCystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Huntington's disease, familial Alzheimer's, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia are some of the disorders often inherited from parents. Many clinics and hospitals facilitate the diagnosis of these disorders in prenatal stage and even in newborns. The sooner such ailments are discovered in a person the faster can one look for remedies to eradicate the disorder and its symptoms.

Depending on the information retrieved from the DNA fingerprint, scientists are exploring the possible treatment and medication that can not only cure but also eradicate if any genetic disorder is determined in a person. Researchers trace the DNA fingerprint pattern and then work together to find effective remedy and treatments.

The FBI and police force highly recommend a DNA fingerprint test of a crime scene, victims and suspects. Biological evidence can be proved by extracting DNA from bloodstains, semen, hair or skin that can provide clues to solve the original crime. This technique is also used significantly to prove the paternity in child support proceedings.

The US armed service has introduced this technique to collect DNA of all its staff and workforce so as to maintain a databank that can be used at a later date to help recognize accidents or other crime activities. The DNA fingerprint tracking and recording is kept highly confidential and is of high regards to the military force.