DNA Evidence Can Be Fabricated, Scientists Show

NYTimes ^ | 08/19/2009 | NYTimes

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

Scientists in Israel have demonstrated that it is possible to fabricate DNA evidence, undermining the credibility of what has been considered the gold standard of proof in criminal cases.

[GodGunsGuts]

Impossible! There is no such thing as intelligently designed DNA!!!

[SeeSharp]

John M. Butler, leader of the human identity testing project at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, said he was “impressed at how well they were able to fabricate the fake DNA profiles.” However, he added, “I think your average criminal wouldn’t be able to do something like that.”

No but a defense attorney will now be able to claim that the police have done it. (The interviewee was being a bit thick here.)

[allmost]

DNA has never been %100 accurate. Lab errors, inconsistent and flat out incorrect results from LCN techniques, and the odds themselves of a match are no where near what they are portrayed as.

[SouthDixie]

I agree, damage can occur by many mutagens long before the sample even reaches a microscope. That’s probably why it takes so long for the results. Tests need to be repeated until a consistant conclusion is achieved.

[allmost]

They've had over 50,000 multiple matches in the UK database. The odds are, in reality, not so astronomical. It's a useful tool but no where near empirical.

[Wonder Warthog]

"I agree, damage can occur by many mutagens long before the sample even reaches a microscope. That’s probably why it takes so long for the results. Tests need to be repeated until a consistant conclusion is achieved."

Uh, DNA Analysis has nothing to do with "microscopes". Results take a long time because there are not that many labs equipped and staffed to do the tests. I suggest a bit of self-education before posting next time.

[Carley]

I suspect this fake DNA is the favorite tool of the Innocence Project.

It’s just the thing Barry Scheck and his cohorts would do to free murdering scum.

[SouthDixie]

DNA was first isolated by the Swiss physician Friedrich Miescher who, in 1869, discovered a microscopic substance in the pus of discarded surgical bandages.

Aren't you a nasty piece of work so early in the morning...evidently you have never heard of an electron microscope.

[Maumee]

DNA testing can be wrong........
‘I did not have sex with that er..girl Miz Lew.......’

[mad_as_he$$]

One of the Madettes has two friends who are Phd’s in the area of DNA and genetic functions. They can blow ANY DNA based court action out of the water. In fact one is thinking about making a career out of testifying. The whole thing is incredibly fragile. When they explained it to me I was shocked at how lame most of it is.

[Gilbo_3]

my unlearned instinct always told me that the science ‘in general’ was solid, but that the devil was in the details, and the variables too many, for it to be the final answer one way or the other in court...

[Wonder Warthog]

"DNA was first isolated by the Swiss physician Friedrich Miescher who, in 1869, discovered a microscopic substance in the pus of discarded surgical bandages."

Which is NOT what the article is about. The DNA analysis referred to here is PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, followed by chromatographic or electrophhoretic separation and detection. Microscopes of any kind are NOT involved in any way. My company just finished a major research project that automated this type of DNA analysis to do continuous monitoring for biowarfare agents, so I'm VERY well aware of what DNA analysis involves.

"Aren't you a nasty piece of work so early in the morning...evidently you have never heard of an electron microscope."

I certainly know about electron microscopes, but that is NOT what is used. I repeat--go educate yourself about DNA analysis before posting next time. Pushing for accuracy of discussion is NOT being "nasty".

[mad_as_he$$]

That is exactly the situation, details, details, details.

[LearsFool]

Impossible! There is no such thing as intelligently designed DNA!!!

Ouch! LOL!

[SunkenCiv]

DNA Evidence Can Be Fabricated, Scientists Show
New York Times | August 17, 2009 | ANDREW POLLACK
Posted on 08/17/2009 6:32:01 PM PDT by decimon
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2318361/posts

[SunkenCiv]

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