Safeguarding Forensic DNA Samples
DNA evidence is invisible and remarkably easy to transfer, making it possible for a sample to be spilled or even planted on a piece of evidence. Boise State University professor, Greg Hampikian has developed a solution for this contamination problem by discovering tiny DNA and protein sequences that can be used to permanently mark DNA samples. Several years ago, Hampikian and Boise State computer science colleague Tim Andersen identified these sequences that were not present in nature and Hampikian termed them ‘nullomers.’ Hampikian explained that “DNA contamination is a fact of life in all laboratories,” and the key to protecting these samples may be stamping them with the nullomers as a permanent DNA bar code.
***Note: Hampikian’s research will be published by The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Pre-publication available here.
Source: forensicmag.com & Boise State Univ., Sherry Squires
[Abstract by ForensIQ Intern – Mark Lombard]
Citation:
Squires, S. Forensic Magazine. Safeguarding Forensic DNA Samples. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/safeguarding-forensic-dna-samples?et_cid=3227680&et_rid=515363537&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forensicmag.com%2fnews%2fsafeguarding-forensic-dna-samples&location=top