Report Outline
Special Focus
Introduction
Law-enforcement officials now have a powerful new weapon in their war on crime: DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting. But while the procedure makes it easier to link suspects to certain crimes, its overall impact may not be as revolutionary as some have predicted.
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Overview
DNA typing, often called “genetic fingerprinting,” has been hailed as a revolutionary breakthrough in law enforcement. One prosecutor called it “the greatest boon to forensic medicine and law since fingerprinting.”
No two individuals (except identical twins) have the same DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecules containing genetic information. By comparing a suspect's DNA “type” with that found in blood, semen or other biological evidence found at the crime scene, investigators can scientifically link the suspect to a crime—or clear him of it. Identification by DNA typing has been described as “virtually certain.” |
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Jun. 14, 2019 |
Consumer Genetic Testing |
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Apr. 26, 2019 |
Manipulating Human Genes |
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Sep. 15, 2017 |
Medical Breakthroughs |
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Jun. 19, 2015 |
Manipulating the Human Genome |
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May 31, 2013 |
Patenting Human Genes |
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Jan. 21, 2011 |
Genes and Health |
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May 15, 2009 |
Reproductive Ethics |
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Oct. 22, 2004 |
Cloning Debate |
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May 18, 2001 |
Designer Humans |
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May 12, 2000 |
Human Genome Research |
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Dec. 17, 1999 |
Embryo Research |
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May 28, 1999 |
DNA Databases |
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Apr. 03, 1998 |
Biology and Behavior |
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May 09, 1997 |
The Cloning Controversy |
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Dec. 08, 1995 |
Gene Therapy's Future |
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Apr. 08, 1994 |
Reproductive Ethics |
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Oct. 18, 1991 |
Gene Therapy |
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Aug. 16, 1991 |
Fetal Tissue Research |
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Jun. 30, 1989 |
Solving Crimes with Genetic Fingerprinting |
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Apr. 03, 1987 |
Biotechnology Developments |
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Jan. 10, 1986 |
Genetic Breakthroughs |
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Dec. 26, 1980 |
Genetic Business |
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Mar. 25, 1977 |
Genetic Research |
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May 19, 1971 |
Human Engineering |
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Aug. 20, 1969 |
Human Intelligence |
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Dec. 13, 1967 |
Genetics and the Life Process |
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