Advancements in forensic technology are increasing as crimes are advancing day by day as well. However, there are some ways that do not give the proper and best results for DNA detection at crime scenes. There are some limitations and drawbacks of current methods of DNA detection, failing to give the exact result.
But Mike Marciano, a research assistant professor and Director of Research in the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI), is testing a new technology that improves forensic science, particularly in DNA detection. Although it has been tested 200 times, Marciano and his team are still testing and examining it.
Current DNA Detection in Crimes is Time-Consuming
Marciano recently contributed to the report, titled "A Landscape Study Examining Technology and Automation for Differential Extraction and Sperm Separation for Sexual Assault Investigations," for the National Institute of Justice May 2022 Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Moreso, he was a subject matter expert who authored a section called "Syracuse University Examined the Use of the DEPArray System to Assess Challenging Sexual Assault Kit Samples."
He described in those reports the flaws in the current method of gathering forensic evidence from sexual assault victims that involves retrieving samples for DNA analysis. According to Phys.org, the DNA found is entered into the DNA Index System of the FBI, which allows law enforcement to search for matches that will identify the possible culprit.
However, the method is time-consuming and does not typically have the best capacity to detect DNA from small samples. Also, another drawback of the existing method is that DNA can be lost from the sample after 72 hours, which means that the investigation of the case will be extended.
Novel Forensic Technology May Improve DNA Detection
In 2013, Marciano was approached by a friend with a new method called DEPArray NxT System that was created by Italian company Manarini Silicon Biosystems for cancer research. The method could easily separate epithelial cells and sperms cells and effectively count the amount of DNA in a sample, while simultaneously removing impurities.
As someone who devoted his career to improving DNA detection, Marciano decided to try this new technology that he could not refuse. Aside from cancer research, the new technology has other uses that could be useful in DNA detection in crimes.
Forensic Yard reported that the new technology can accurately identify DNA even in small amounts or samples taken after 72 hours or more. Moreso, it successfully extracts specific DNA from a mixture of DNA. Marciano commented that the technology is an exciting and interesting work that aligns with his work to support forensic science and always do innovative experiments and research.
The technology has been tested many times and the team is exploring it further to tell with certainty that the method can be of any significance and be useful in DNA detection. For now, the only drawback is that the legal system has not yet accepted this method.
Marciano tried to apply to National Institute for Justice to grant and give permission to use the novel technology to improve the process in forensics and other systems.
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