DNA Testing

DNA Testing

Often referred to as the building blocks of life, DNA was discovered in the mid 1800s. Since then, DNA testing has become invaluable in society, and has been used in all sorts of proceedings and environments. The structure of DNA was further unravelled in the mid 1900s, making an even clearer pathway for the development of genetic science and molecular biology as we know it today.

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and this material is found in the cells of the body. The DNA of each person is inherited from both parents, and it is the DNA that determines things like hair color, eye color, skin color etc.

Most often, DNA testing is associated with forensics. This procedure has been used not only to prove people guilty of crime but also to prove the innocence of those previously falsely imprisoned for a crime they did not commit. However, DNA testing is used in many other ways as well as in the course of criminal investigations. For example, DNA testing is used to identify bones and bodies after war or following a murder or suspicious death. In the past it was difficult to identify ‘John Doe’ bodies, other than through dental records. However, DNS testing now makes it possible to quickly identify an unknown body.

DNA testing in forensics was not actually introduced until the mid 1980s, so in the grand scheme of things it is still in its infancy. However, it has already been used to aid over fifty thousand criminal investigations in the United States and tens of thousands more across the world. Sexual crimes ion particular have been investigated and solved through the use of DNA testing on skin, hair, semen and other bodily fluids. DNA testing has become a valuable resource in solving crime and a tool for the prosecution to use in court in order to prove someone’s guilt.

Continuing on from the forensic use of DNA testing, many murders have been solved through this miraculous and accurate process – murders that may otherwise have gone unsolved. As a result many notorious criminals have found themselves going to prison for life – or losing their lives altogether on Death Row. DNA testing also plays a part in historical discoveries, where tests have been performed on fossils, mummies, and prehistoric bones. Extracting DNA from these historical remnants helps to solve the mystery and the element of unknown about such relics.

And, of course, one of the more modern uses of DNA testing is to prove paternity. We see it on talk shows and TV all the time these days, where a couple want proof that a child is theirs, and these DNA tests are able to provide these people with the answers that they seek. Obviously, you don’t have to go on Jerry Springer or Ricki Lake in order to get this DNS testing done – you can simply speak to your doctor who can refer you to the nearest DNA testing clinic.

DNA tests are known to be 99.9 percent accurate, so they are about as accurate as one could hope for. This makes them pretty much watertight when it comes to making identifications, confirming paternity, or aiding criminal proceedings. There are different types of DNA testing used, and in different ways. For example, in forensic DNA testing the tests can be performed on the following:

• Dried blood stains
  
• Dried Semen stains
  
• Dried stains on underwear
  
• Saliva stains
  
• Tests on hair (with root attached)
  
• Skin scraping tests
  
• Tissue tests
  
• Bone testing
  
• Dental testing
  
• Testing on other biological matter

It is amazing to think that something that we knew nothing about until the nineteenth century can help to solve so many problems and queries, mysteries and crimes. Since it was discovered and unravelled over the past 160 years, DNA testing has helped us to advance in forensic and biological sciences. And the possibilities for DNA testing were taken to new heights in Michael Crichton’s blockbuster ‘Jurassic Park’ where DNA was used to recreate dinosaurs. Although this is simply fantasy, the advancements being made in DNA testing does make you wonder just how long this will remain a fantasy.