Posted: Mar 19, 2012 12:30 PM by KPAX/KAJ Media Center Updated: Mar 19, 2012 2:59 PM

WHITEFISH- DNA evidence has led the Whitefish Police Department to arrest Timothy M. House, 27, and charge him with sexual intercourse without consent.

Police Chief Bill Dial says that the arrest came about as the result of a DNA "hit" by the Montana State Crime Lab.

House was a suspect in a summer 2007 sexual intercourse without consent, but Dial says in a news release that "there was insufficient evidence to arrest him."

(photo courtesy Whitefish Police Dept.)

House became a suspect in a sex crime in Conrad last year which resulted in a DNA sample being taken from House which was subsequently submitted to the Crime Lab and then entered into the National data base.

Whitefish detectives later secured a search warrant for a DNA sample from House which was submitted to the State Crime Lab for comparison and an arrest warrant was later issued for House's arrest.

Dial says House had recently returned to the Flathead Valley from Pondera County where he had been arrested for sexual intercourse without consent and unlawful restraint.

His release conditions, imposed by the court, was to submit to a breath test twice a day and when House reported for his breath test on Friday evening he was arrested.

Dial says House is also a suspect for similar charges in Flathead County and he's being held in the Flathead County jail on $100,000 bond.

Here is the original post:
DNA leads to arrest of Whitefish rape suspect

March 19, 2012 Updated Mar 19, 2012 at 2:25 PM EDT

Albany, N.Y. (WKBW release) -- New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo joined by Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on Monday signed into law a historic bill that makes New York State the first "all crimes DNA" state in the nation, by requiring DNA samples be collected from anyone convicted of a felony or Penal Law misdemeanor.

According to a news release issued Monday:

In addition, the new law also significantly expands defendants' access to DNA testing and comparison both before and after conviction in appropriate circumstances, as well as to discovery after conviction where innocence is claimed.

Governor Cuomo introduced the DNA Databank expansion legislation as a centerpiece of his 2012 legislative agenda.

"I am proud to sign this bill today because this modern law enforcement tool will not only help us solve and prevent crimes but also exonerate the innocent," said Governor Andrew Cuomo. "The bottom line is that this is a tool that works, and will make the state safer for all New Yorkers. I thank Majority Leader Skelos, Speaker Silver, Senators Saland and Golden, and Assemblyman Lentol for their leadership on this issue."

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said: "Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety and security of our citizens. Today we are culminating our efforts to enact an all-crimes DNA databank expansion. Senate Republicans championed the creation of the DNA databank 18 years ago, and we successfully pushed to expand it four times, including legislation I sponsored in 2006 to include all felonies and 17 misdemeanors. With Governor Cuomos leadership, we are expanding it to include all crimes and enacting an historic criminal justice measure."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "I am proud to be part of this agreement which positions New York as a leader once again. New York is the first state to enact an all crimes DNA database. When a person is wrongly convicted, the real perpetrator remains free to potentially commit other crimes while an innocent person is unjustly punished. Furthermore, victims are given a false sense of security that the actual perpetrator has been incarcerated. We must now move forward to enact additional reforms that will enhance public safety and ensure that the real perpetrator is caught and that innocent people are not going to prison."

Senator Steve Saland, who sponsored the legislation, said: "The DNA databank expansion is particularly critical when studies show that persons who commit serious crimes have also often committed other crimes including lower-level misdemeanors. This law provides a powerful tool to bring closure to unsolved crimes and prevent further crimes from taking place, while providing a means by which a wrongfully convicted person can be exonerated, or a suspect eliminated. Working together, Governor Cuomo, the Senate, and the Assembly have succeeded in making New York a safer state."

Senator Martin Golden, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said: "This law will significantly improve New York State's crime fighting abilities. Through the collection of DNA samples of all persons convicted of felony offenses, and certain misdemeanors, we will help to prevent and solve crimes. By signing this bill into law, Governor Cuomo will add a critical measure of security and safety for all New Yorkers."

See the original post:
Cuomo Signs Law to Expand New York's DNA Databank

WHITEFISH - DNA evidence has led the Whitefish Police Department to arrest Timothy M. House, 27, and charge him with sexual assault.

Police Chief Bill Dial says that the arrest came about as the result of a DNA "hit" by the Montana State Crime Lab.

House was a suspect in a summer 2007 sexual assault, but Dial says in a news release that "there was insufficient evidence to arrest him."

House became a suspect in a sex crime in Conrad last year which resulted in a DNA sample being taken from House which was subsequently submitted to the Crime Lab and then entered into the National data base.

Whitefish detectives later secured a search warrant for a DNA sample from House which was submitted to the State Crime Lab for comparison and an arrest warrant was later issued for House's arrest.

Dial says House had recently returned to the Flathead Valley from Pondera County where he had been arrested for sexual intercourse without consent and unlawful restraint.

His release conditions, imposed by the court, was to submit to a breath test twice a day and when House reported for his breath test on Friday evening he was arrested.

Dial says House is also a suspect for similar charges in Flathead County and he's being held in the Flathead County jail on $100,000 bond.

See the original post:
DNA leads to arrest of sexual assault suspect

By a GenomeWeb staff reporter

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) DNA Electronics today announced a deal making its nucleic acid testing platform available to geneOnyx for cosmetic and skincare applications.

The commercial license and supply agreement provides geneOnyx access to DNA Electronics' Genanalysis platform, which geneOnyx will use to analyze a person's genetic makeup to determine how that person will react to certain product ingredients.

Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

DNA Electronics said that the deal brings it into the non-in vitro diagnostic space. Pilot trials focused on the clinical diagnostics space for Genanalysis are set to begin later this year.

Genanalysis is a real-time, nucleic acid testing platform that delivers point-of-need results in about 30 minutes, using a sample processing kit and interchangeable test cartridges plugged into a USB stick or other electronic reader. Using a saliva sample from a mouth swab, purified, amplification-ready DNA is delivered to a complementary metal oxide semiconductor-based test cartridge, which amplifies and detects genetic signatures in the DNA.

Based in London, DNA Electronics develops electronic microchip-based tests for real-time nucleic acid detection. It has worldwide non-exclusive licensing deals with Roche's 454 Life Sciences and Life Technologies' Ion Torrent providing those firms access to parts of its technology for use in semiconductor sequencing.

geneOnyx provides cloud-based genetic analytics services and technology for cosmetic applications.

Continue reading here:
DNA Electronics Licenses NAT Technology to geneOnyx for Skincare Applications

WHITEFISH- DNA evidence has led the Whitefish Police Department to arrest Timothy M. House, 27, and charge him with sexual assault.

Police Chief Bill Dial says that the arrest came about as the result of a DNA "hit" by the Montana State Crime Lab.

House was a suspect in a summer 2007 sexual assault, but Dial says in a news release that "there was insufficient evidence to arrest him."

(photo courtesy Whitefish Police Dept.)

House became a suspect in a sex crime in Conrad last year which resulted in a DNA sample being taken from House which was subsequently submitted to the Crime Lab and then entered into the National data base.

Whitefish detectives later secured a search warrant for a DNA sample from House which was submitted to the State Crime Lab for comparison and an arrest warrant was later issued for House's arrest.

Dial says House had recently returned to the Flathead Valley from Pondera County where he had been arrested for sexual intercourse without consent and unlawful restraint.

His release conditions, imposed by the court, was to submit to a breath test twice a day and when House reported for his breath test on Friday evening he was arrested.

Dial says House is also a suspect for similar charges in Flathead County and he's being held in the Flathead County jail on $100,000 bond.

Follow this link:
DNA leads to arrest of Whitefish sexual assault suspect

Readmore: Local, Crime, DNA, DNA Database, New York State DNA Database, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick, William Fitzpatrick, Carol Nelson, Glen Shoop, Salina Murder, Murder, DNA Samples

ALBANY -- Anyone convicted of a felony and most misdemeanors will have to submit their DNA as part of new legislation signed into law today.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law an historic bill that makes New York State the first "all crimes DNA" state in the nation, by requiring DNA samples be collected from anyone convicted of a felony or Penal Law misdemeanor. "I am proud to sign this bill today because this modern law enforcement tool will not only help us solve and prevent crimes but also exonerate the innocent," said Governor Andrew Cuomo. "The bottom line is that this is a tool that works, and will make the state safer for all New Yorkers."

It will require collecting a saliva swab from everyone convicted of any felony and all but one penal misdemeanor starting Oct. 1. It excludes misdemeanor possession of less than 25 grams of marijuana in public view. Various lower-level violations are also excluded.

The legislation makes New York the first state in the country to expand its DNA databank so dramatically. It will allow defendants in certain criminal cases to obtain DNA testing prior to trial to demonstrate their innocence. Under appropriate circumstances, defendants convicted after a guilty plea will be allowed access to the testing.

In limited circumstances, defendants will be able to seek discovery of property and other materials to demonstrate their actual innocence after their conviction. Such discovery will provide the court with the evidence necessary to reach a proper decision on a defendant's motion for such relief.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has been a staunch supporter of the bill. Last week, he publicly supported the legislation saying, "DNA is an extremely valuable tool in solving crimes, convicting the guilty and exculpating the innocent," said Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick. "It is a travesty that this tool has not been used to its fullest potential in New York because of misleading information perpetuated by its opponents. Expanding the Databank will unquestionably solve crimes, save lives and make this state a safer place to live."

Fitzpatrick pointed to a recent case locally where the expanded database would have saved a woman's life. In 2007, 65-year-oldCarol Nelson was sexually assaulted and murderedin a wooded area off 7th North Street in the Town of Salina. Her killer, Glen Shoop, had two prior convictions that under the proposed bill would have required his DNA profile to be in the database.

At the time of her murder, those convictionsdid not require Shoop to provide a DNA sample. If it had, he would have been in custody for a prior 2000 unsolved rape case and Nelson's life would have been spared, Fitzpatrick said.

Since its launch in 1996, New York's databank has led to more than 2,900 convictions and helped exonerate 27 people who were wrongfully convicted.

View original post here:
Governor Cuomo signs expanded DNA databank bill into law

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Posted March 19, 2012

Jeff Jonke to Spearhead the Development and Introduction of New Products and National Growth Initiative

BOCA RATON, Fla., -- DNA Brands, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAX) today announced that it has appointed Jeff Jonke as Vice-President of Strategic Development. Mr. Jonke will spearhead the growth and development of DNA Energy Drinks and the introduction of new proprietary offerings nationally across all channels.

Darren Marks, President of DNA, said, "We feel very fortunate at this most opportune time to have been able to attract such a seasoned professional with Jeff's background and experience. Mr. Jonke is an experienced leader and manager, well versed in all aspects of beverage industry and maintains top North American distributor relationships." Marks concluded, "Jeff has also been responsible for the successful launch of several brands in the functional beverage sector while with such notable companies as Hansen Beverage Company (Monster Energy), Rockstar Energy Drink, Jones Soda Company, Arizona Beverage Company and Boo Koo Beverage. It is for these reasons that we have selected Mr. Hawkins to spearhead our national growth initiative."

"I am thrilled to be a part of the DNA Brands team," said Mr. Jonke. "Joining DNA offers great opportunities for growth of DNA Energy Drink and to build nationally on the success the brand has had in the Southeast. I also look forward to the opportunities for new product development, incubation of those products in the Grass Roots Beverage Distribution system in Florida and national growth in the future. I am also excited to be part of the team developing these new products which we will take to market over the next several months. Jonke concluded, "DNA is ready for explosive growth and I look forward to being a part of its future. "

About DNA Brands, Inc.

DNA BRANDS, make DNA Energy Drink, the award-winning, best-tasting energy drink at the 2010 World Beverage Competition, and DNA Shred StixTM. DNA Energy Drink is a proprietary blend of quality ingredients in four flavors Citrus, Lemon Lime, Sugar Free Citrus and CRANRAZBERRY. DNA is a proud sponsor of many action sport teams consisting of top athletes from Motorcross, Surf, Wakeboard and Skateboard has received tremendous TV and media coverage.

Independent retailers throughout the state sell the DNA Brand products as well as national retailers including Walgreens, Race Trac and Circle K.

True to its actions sports roots, DNA BRANDS, INC., has earned national recognition through its sponsorship of the DNA Energy Drink/Jeff Ward Racing team where it competes on a world-class level in Supercross and Motocross, reaching millions of fans. DNA Energy Drink(R) can also be found in other action sports such as Surfing, BMX, Wakeboarding and Skateboarding and its athletes are recognized stars in their own right.

More:
DNA Brands Appoints Jeff Jonke as Vice-President of Strategic Development

Using state-of-the-art technology, scientists at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the University of Copenhagen and their international collaborators have successfully obtained molecular snapshots of tens of thousands processes involved in DNA damage repair. On a daily basis this restoration keeps cells healthy and prevents the development of cancer. The results of this study will help unravel exactly how cells repair their broken DNA, how chemotherapy affects cells workings and will assist in the discovery of new drugs with fewer side effects.

"DNA repair is vital in keeping cells healthy. So unraveling the molecular details of how a cell communicates when its DNA is broken will help us understand how cells protect their genomes," Associate Professor Chunaram Choudhary from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research says.

"We know, for example, that chemotherapy kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA. This happens because the fast growing cancer cells are more sensitive to DNA damage than healthy cells. However, how exactly chemotherapy works on a cellular level is still a mystery. Once we understand the molecular consequences of chemotherapy on cancer cells, we could begin to work on ways to protect healthy cells during treatment of patients with cancer," postdoc Petra Beli explains.

Daily DNA damage threatens healthy cells Everything from sun tanning to environmental factors and normal metabolic processes inside the cell damages the DNA of that cell every day. This in turn can lead to production of faulty proteins that - if not repaired - could go on to become the driver of cancer development.

To prevent these devastating effects, damaged DNA triggers an elaborate alarm system, which sets of a chain reaction in the cell, to slow processes, terminate others and wait, while legions of molecules go to work on the damaged DNA.

"Identification of proteins that are crucial for repairing broken DNA may help find new drug targets, and by using such very specific drugs it may also become possible to minimize the side effects, which occur when a drug hits too broadly in the body," Chunaram Choudhary continues.

Much remains to be learned DNA repair has been studied intensely for years, but Associate Professor Choudhary and his group at the Department of Proteomics along with his collaborators from University of Cambridge and Max Planck Institute are the first to unravel tens of thousands of molecular signaling events involved in this complex process.

"We first damaged the DNA of cells using radiation or chemical drugs and then used a technique called mass spectrometry, which is a way of precisely determining the identity of proteins and their chemical modifications," Petra Beli says.

"This allowed us to follow thousands of protein modifications that happened in the process of DNA repair, shedding new light on how the networks of biochemical signals are regulated and how the infrastructure of alerts works."

The data from the experiments is so extensive that it will require much further work by researchers to fully understand the significance and impact of these newly identified signaling pathways. The article Proteomic Investigations Reveal a Role for RNA Processing Factor THRAP3 in the DNA Damage Response is published online in the journal Molecular Cell on 15 March.

Follow this link:
Protein Researchers Unravel The Molecular Dance Of DNA Repair

BOCA RATON, Fla., March 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DNA Brands, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAX.OB - News) today announced that it has appointed Jeff Jonke as Vice-President of Strategic Development. Mr. Jonke will spearhead the growth and development of DNA Energy Drinks and the introduction of new proprietary offerings nationally across all channels.

Darren Marks, President of DNA, said, "We feel very fortunate at this most opportune time to have been able to attract such a seasoned professional with Jeff's background and experience. Mr. Jonke is an experienced leader and manager, well versed in all aspects of beverage industry and maintains top North American distributor relationships." Marks concluded, "Jeff has also been responsible for the successful launch of several brands in the functional beverage sector while with such notable companies as Hansen Beverage Company (Monster Energy), Rockstar Energy Drink, Jones Soda Company, Arizona Beverage Company and Boo Koo Beverage. It is for these reasons that we have selected Mr. Hawkins to spearhead our national growth initiative."

"I am thrilled to be a part of the DNA Brands team," said Mr. Jonke. "Joining DNA offers great opportunities for growth of DNA Energy Drink and to build nationally on the success the brand has had in the Southeast. I also look forward to the opportunities for new product development, incubation of those products in the Grass Roots Beverage Distribution system in Florida and national growth in the future. I am also excited to be part of the team developing these new products which we will take to market over the next several months. Jonke concluded, "DNA is ready for explosive growth and I look forward to being a part of its future. "

About DNA Brands, Inc.

DNA BRANDS, make DNA Energy Drink(R), the award-winning, best-tasting energy drink at the 2010 World Beverage Competition, and DNA Shred Stix(TM). DNA Energy Drink(R) is a proprietary blend of quality ingredients in four flavors Citrus, Lemon Lime, Sugar Free Citrus and CRANRAZBERRY. DNA is a proud sponsor of many action sport teams consisting of top athletes from Motorcross, Surf, Wakeboard and Skateboard has received tremendous TV and media coverage.

Independent retailers throughout the state sell the DNA Brand products as well as national retailers including Walgreens, Race Trac and Circle K.

True to its actions sports roots, DNA BRANDS, INC., has earned national recognition through its sponsorship of the DNA Energy Drink/Jeff Ward Racing team where it competes on a world-class level in Supercross and Motocross, reaching millions of fans. DNA Energy Drink(R) can also be found in other action sports such as Surfing, BMX, Wakeboarding and Skateboarding and its athletes are recognized stars in their own right.

For more information about DNA Energy Drink, its athletes and sponsorships, please visit http://www.dnabrandsusa.com.

The DNA Beverage Corp. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7258

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements

See more here:
DNA Brands Names Beverage Industry Executive to Head Up Strategic Business Development

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

DNA Electronics Ltd. a developer of semiconductor solutions for real-time DNA and RNA detection, today announces that it has licensed its ground-breaking Genalysis technology platform for rapid, lab-free DNA detection to geneOnyx, a company that is delivering on-the-spot genetic analytics services for cosmetics and skincare applications. Following a successful evaluation of the DNA Electronics USB-based Genalysis lab-free platform, the two companies are announcing a commercial license and supply agreement that grants geneOnyx access to DNA Electronics real-time Genalysis platform for cosmetic applications. This agreement will deliver the worlds first commercial application of a true sample-to-answer, easy-to-use and low-cost DNA testing platform bringing on-site, over-the-counter services to the retail industry for the first time.

DNA Electronics Genalysis is a real-time platform for nucleic acid testing, delivering accurate, point-of-need results within 30 minutes using just a simple sample processing kit and interchangeable test cartridges plugged into a USB stick or other electronic reader. The Genalysis platform enables truly user-friendly, rapid, lab-free and pipette-free DNA analysis products for a variety of medical and consumer applications. While this licensing and supply agreement launches DNA Electronics in its first non-IVD market for test panels selected by geneOnyx, pilot trials for clinical diagnostics using Genalysis will also begin later this year. DNA Electronics a privately-held company was founded by semiconductor and medical technology pioneer Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, FREng, based on his key 2001 invention of detecting protons released during DNA synthesis using a standard silicon-chip based transistor culminating in the worlds first DNA analysis on unmodified CMOS technology. DNA Electronics already has worldwide non-exclusive licensing agreements with Roches 454 Life Sciences and Ion Torrent (Life Technologies Inc.) for the field of semiconductor sequencing, enabling these global leaders to access certain parts of the DNA Electronics proprietary technology portfolio.

Through this latest agreement, DNA Electronics will supply to geneOnyx its proprietary sample-to-answer DNA testing technology Genalysis for the consumer cosmetics and skincare market. geneOnyx will provide an individually-tailored recommendation service for selecting optimal skincare and cosmetic products for individuals based on a scientific analysis of the persons genetic variations and how well a persons body will react to active product ingredients. geneOnyxs recommendations service leverages the unique ability of the Genalysis platform to provide on-the-spot results and connectivity to geneOnyxs cloud-based system without needing to send a sample to a laboratory for analysis.

The Genalysis platform processes a saliva sample from a mouth swab using a sample preparation kit designed for unskilled users which delivers purified, amplification-ready DNA to the CMOS-based test cartridge using just a couple of simple manual steps. The test cartridge then simultaneously amplifies and detects genetic signatures in the DNA when plugged into a USB stick or other electronic device. The simple three-step Genalysis process of swab, twist, test was designed by DNA Electronics to overcome the fact that most nucleic acid tests, even those described as point-of-care, still require laboratory steps such as pipetting and centrifugation, and use expensive instrumentation.

Commenting on the announcement, Prof. Toumazou said: This agreement makes lab-free semiconductor solutions for DNA analysis a commercial reality for both medical and non-medical markets from personalised medicine to anti-ageing skincare. He added: With our microchip-based Genalysis platform, we are able to screen genetic information more quickly, more accurately and more cost-effectively than ever before. Our partnership with geneOnyx delivers the first in a new breed of fast, user-friendly and consumerised DNA analysis services, and it is a key part of our roadmap to actively work with customers to deliver innovative solutions and services around these ground-breaking on-the-spot tests. By making this technology really affordable, we are enabling transformative services for retail cosmeceutical markets, wellness applications, pharmaceutical drug response and more. The opportunities are extremely exciting and DNA Electronics is open to working with other committed Early Access customers to develop Genalysis tests for applications that solve their business needs.

Members of the media interested in scheduling a briefing with DNA Electronics can do so by contacting Nicky Denovan at nicky[at]evokedset[dot]com.

-- ends

Notes to editors

About DNA Electronics

Continued here:
DNA Electronics Partners with geneOnyx to offer Genalysis® Real-Time DNA Detection Technology for Genetics-driven ...

HOUSTON -- A thief wearing gloves walks into a parking lot, perhaps using the cover of night, smashes a car window and takes what's inside the vehicle, all in a matter of minutes.

It's the general technique for many car burglaries, and thousands of them occur in Harris County every year. Besides shattered glass, often there's not much visible evidence left at the scene, leaving investigators with few clues to catch the culprits.

But sometimes it's what investigators cannot see that helps solve many of these types of crimes.

For the last few years, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences aided area law enforcement in solving property crimes by testing evidence for "touch DNA" - microscopic skin cells containing DNA that naturally rub off when an object, like a car steering wheel, is touched. The technology can be used even if the suspect is wearing gloves because there's a high likelihood the skin cells were transferred onto the gloves when the perpetrator was slipping them on.

"It was a pretty incredible tool for us to have to identify some of these suspects," said Sgt. Terry Wilson, of the Harris County Sheriff's Office auto-theft division. "These (burglary of a motor vehicle) cases are some of the hardest cases for law enforcement to solve because there's almost never any eyewitnesses. There's very rarely any good evidence left behind, fingerprint evidence and things like that, and once we started recovering some of this DNA, it was pretty exciting there for a while."

DNA testing is a practice typically reserved for personal crimes like rape and murder. However, the forensic institute, formerly the medical examiner's office, has also been performing DNA testing on evidence - containing either skin cells or bodily fluids, like blood and saliva - from property crime cases such as car break-ins and home invasions.

Since January 2008, the forensic institute made more than 3,000 matches to crime suspects in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System database, or CODIS, a national database used to store DNA profiles. Of those, about 75 percent were for property crime cases.

Dr. Roger Kahn, director of the forensic genetics laboratory at the institute, said the crime lab is one of the few equipped to handle DNA testing for property crimes. The lab has no testing backlog on personal crime cases, so it can focus on property crimes, he said.

Kahn noted that when the forensic institute moves to its new expanded facility in the fall, the lab will have the capabilities to perform DNA testing in property crime cases for not only law enforcement agencies in the county, but the entire region.

Kahn believes it is a useful tool in solving many more crimes.

See original here:
Police use DNA technique to solve property crimes

Posted: Sunday, March 18, 2012 1:19 am | Updated: 12:02 pm, Sun Mar 18, 2012.

Two tests are used to help identify individuals through DNA analysis, according to John Tonkyn, criminalist supervisor with the Department of Justices lab in Richmond, Calif.

The first test criminalists used is a test all DNA labs across the country conduct.

Initially, criminalists use a chemical known as Ethylenediaminetetraacetate to purify the DNA sample. The drug separates things like proteins and fats that maintain the structure of the cells walls, which protect the DNA within the nucleus of the cell.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) weakens the cell to the point that the walls collapse or tear, releasing the cells contents and DNA for analysis.

Also, EDTA protects and preserves the integrity of DNA by inhibiting enzymes that are normally present in the cell, which can fragment the DNA and render it unusable.

Once the DNA is all by itself, criminalists have a set of 16 genetic markers that can test for things such as gender and other properties only inherited or found in blood relatives.

This is our best DNA profile, Tonkyn said of the analysis once the test is complete. This test provides us with the best identification for individuals because it give the most unique DNA profile.

But, if there is not enough DNA extracted from the freezer mill or the thermal cycler, Tonkyn said criminalists can use a second test the mitochondrial DNA test.

Mitochondria is part of the cell structure which also contains DNA, but the issue with the test is that the DNA comes only from the mother. That DNA is also shared with other relatives of the mother, making the sample less unique.

Read more from the original source:
Two DNA tests help criminalists identify people

By Zachary Stieber Epoch Times Staff Created: March 17, 2012 Last Updated: March 17, 2012

NEW YORKAfter the state Legislature passed legislation that allows police to collect DNA from almost everyone who commits a crime in the state, the New York Civil Liberties Union released a statement denouncing the legislation.

Any forensics expert will tell you that including genetic samples of every person ever convicted of a misdemeanor in the DNA databank wont lead to more effective law enforcement, but it will almost certainly increase inefficiency, errors, and abuse, reads a statement by NYCLU Legislative Director Robert Perry.

Minor crimes should not require people to submit a DNA sample, said the union. The legislation excludes people convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana and who have no prior criminal record from having to submit DNA.

While we appreciate the exception for marijuana possession, the fact is that the same exception should apply to all nonviolent, low level offenses, NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said.

With the passage of the databank extension, the state becomes the first all crimes DNA state in the nation, by requiring DNA samples be collected from anyone convicted of a felony or penal law misdemeanor, according to a statement released by Gov. Andrew Cuomos office.

It is a proven fact: DNA helps solve crimes, prosecute the guilty, and protects the innocent, said the governor in the statement.

Continued here:
Civil Liberties Union Slams DNA Databank Expansion

AP

DNA evidence has linked three rapes in State College to the same man, police said.

The crimes occurred between August 2010 and April 2011 near the Penn State campus.

In each case, police said a college-age woman walking alone on a street in the Highlands neighborhood was raped by a man she didn't know.

DNA evidence from each rape was sent to a state police lab for testing and police recently learned that all are from the same man, said Chief Tom King, State College Police Dept.

It's possible, King said, the man has left the area, but his DNA is now in a database.

Police think there could be additional victims and they hope they will come forward.

Copyright 2012 WFMZ. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read the original here:
DNA links 3 rapes near Penn State campus to 1 man

JEREMY PAWLOSKI | Staff writer Published March 15, 2012 Modified March 15, 2012

DNA analysis of fresh blood left at a Tumwater restaurant after it was burglarized last year led to a mans conviction and sentencing Thursday for second-degree burglary.

Thurston County Superior Court Judge Gary Tabor sentenced Damon Leroy Stevens to six and a half years in prison for the charge, a felony.

Stevens already is serving a prison sentence of five years and eight months on separate convictions that include an attempted burglary out of King County. The new sentence will run concurrent to Stevens sentence, meaning he will end up serving only an additional 10 months in prison.

Tabor pointed out during Stevens sentencing that Stevens has 12 prior felony convictions as an adult, including convictions for four other burglaries. Two of Stevens convictions involved a burglary of the Rusty Tractor Restaurant in Elma, and of Characters Corner, a bar in the Steamboat Island area, in 2010.

Stevens attorney, Alex Frix, said in court that most of Stevens burglary convictions occurred within a relatively short period as part of a spree attributed to Stevens former drug habit.

Tumwater Police Detective Jen Kolb asked the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab to analyze blood left at the Plaza Jalisco restaurant on Capitol Boulevard after a burglary there Feb. 7, 2011, court papers state. She said the blood was apparently left there after a suspect suffered a cut after breaking a plate-glass window to enter the restaurant after hours.

Kolb said she suspected that Stevens might be responsible because the methods were similar to those used in the robbery of the Rusty Tractor in Elma, which Stevens had been arrested on suspicion of committing.

The blood was compared to Stevens DNA profile, on record with the state Department of Corrections because of Stevens past convictions, court papers state. Analysis revealed a match.

(T)he estimated probability of selecting an unrelated individual at random from the U.S. population with a matching profile was 1 in 9.1 trillion, court papers state.

Read the original post:
DNA analysis of blood leads to conviction in Tumwater crime

INCREASING DNA matches, including one from an sock, are helping police arrest more suspects.

The number of profiles held on the South Australian DNA database was almost 90,000 as of November 30 , up from 71,692 at June 30, 2010.

During 2010-11, DNA samples successfully contributed to 777 police investigations, up from 679 in 2009-10.

Police use a mouth swab to collect DNA samples from any person suspected of committing a serious offence - in accordance with the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Act - which can then be matched against DNA retrieved from crime scenes.

In the latest DNA match to assist an investigation, police arrested a man on Thursday in relation to a break-in and theft at a Melrose Park home in September He allegedly left a sock at the scene.

DNA found on the sock matched that of an 18-year-old man who was arrested and charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass and theft. It will be alleged the suspect broke into the house about 10.40pm on September 21 last year. He fled, leaving the sock behind, after the occupant of the house confronted him in the kitchen.

The man was remanded in custody to appear in the Holden Hill Magistrates Court in May.

A DNA match also led to the arrest of a man on Thursday in relation to a rape that occurred in Berri almost 25 years ago. Riverland Crime Investigation Branch detectives arrested the Berri man, 58, and charged him with one count of breaking into a premises and one count of rape, alleged to have occurred in 1988.

The arrest was the result of a re-examination of the cold case and forensic evidence, including DNA, police said.

SA Police DNA Management Unit officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Phil Hanley said a growing database of DNA profiles and improving technology was assisting the fight on crime.

Continued here:
DNA socking it to crime

A bail hearing has offered a glimpse into how police gather DNA evidence used to link suspects to specific crimes.

In this case, DNA was used to allegedly connect a single suspect to two dated burglaries.

The Crowns case, Id suggest, is strong given the DNA evidence, Crown attorney Garry Rainnie said in Brandon court recently as he described the investigations.

Rainnies courtroom account offers a little insight into how city police use DNA to solve crimes. Police generally decline to describe investigation techniques.

On Oct. 21, 2007, around 4:30 a.m., someone broke into a home on Buttercup Bay as the resident and a number of party guests slept.

As the burglar dismantled a light fixture outside the kitchen window, he cut himself and left blood on the light, window frame and backsplash in the kitchen.

From inside the home, the intruder swiped a number of items that included some cash, cigarettes and a jacket that had the keys to a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am in the pocket.

The burglar then entered the parked car and took some more cash, although he left a small amount of blood behind.

Police took blood samples from the light fixture glass, the window frame and the backsplash.

Those were sent to an RCMP lab and the resulting DNA profiles were stored in the national DNA databank.

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DNA key to burglary charges

The Palestinian Authority has asked Israel's highest court to halt the taking of DNA samples from Palestinian prisoners against their will, a PA minister said on Thursday.

"We petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court yesterday against the humiliating treatment of our prisoners," prisoner affairs minister Issa Qaraqaa told a news conference in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

He said that at Shita prison in northern Israel, which holds mainly Palestinian security prisoners, inmates were forcibly restrained while samples of hair were taken and their mouths swabbed.

"These actions are illegal and contrary to all international standards, including medical ethics, and violate the privacy of prisoners," he said. "We have asked the World Health Organisation to issue a statement condemning these actions."

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a campaign was underway to collect samples from all convicted prisoners in Israeli jails, both Jews and Arabs, regardless of the nature of their offences.

"In order to expand the database of DNA and forensics at the Israeli national police headquarters, at the moment we're in the process of taking DNA from prisoners, people who have already been convicted of crimes and who are serving time in jail," he told AFP.

"It's a new policy which is being implemented throughout the year 2012. It's beginning to be implemented now," he said. "It applies to all people who have been convicted."

"The process is taking place among all the different prisoners no matter what they've been convicted for."

He said that among those from whom a sample would be taken was Israel's former president Moshe Katsav, serving a seven-year prison sentence for rape, who has refused to give a sample voluntarily.

Local media said that in such cases, a court order could be sought to force compliance.

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Palestinians ask Israeli court to halt DNA tests

Now that something as simple as shoplifting can get your DNA put in a statewide database forever, local authorities hope this will discourage people from committing crimes in the first place.

State legislators early Thursday morning passed a bill that doubles the state's DNA databank to now include genetic information from anyone convicted of any felonies and nearly any penal law misdemeanors. Previously, DNA was collected only from 48 percent of offenders convicted of penal law crimes.

One reason this expanded database will be a key tool for police is the reality that people who commit crimes in the past tend to commit more crimes in the future, officials said.

By broadening the number of crimes that can result in a person's DNA being put on file, that increases the odds of finding a match if that person leaves behind the slightest genetic evidence while committing another crime, especially burglaries and sex crimes.

We've already solved a lot of cases this way, and this absolutely opens the range of people who will be in the database, Utica police Chief Mark Williams said. So, it's more likely we'll be able to solve crimes more quickly.

This DNA databank also might help investigators quickly determine whether they have the right or wrong suspect, lessening the odds of a wrongful conviction. But authorities also hope this will make criminals think twice about breaking the law again.

Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara said, There's part of me that hopes this will make our communities safer because it will have a deterrent effect on people committing crimes by making them say, 'Hey, they have my DNA on file, and if I leave any DNA behind now they're going to be able to find out who I am.'

This legislation also will give defendants more access to DNA testing before trial to demonstrate their innocence, or give them limited access to certain evidence after trial based on credible allegations.

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DNA database: Authorities hope it will discourage crimes

Enlarge Mike Groll/AP

A forensic scientist processes DNA samples at the New York State Police lab in Albany.

A forensic scientist processes DNA samples at the New York State Police lab in Albany.

Early on Thursday, lawmakers in New York approved a bill that will make the state the first to require DNA samples from almost all convicted criminals and make its DNA database one of the largest in the nation.

Most states, including New York, already collect DNA samples from felons, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. What's remarkable about the New York bill is that it would expand the state's database to include DNA from people convicted of almost any crime, even misdemeanors as minor as jumping over a subway turnstile.

Donna Lieberman, director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, is concerned the strain of all that additional DNA will overwhelm the state crime labs that handle it.

"Instead of helping us solve crimes, this may result in the conviction of innocent New Yorkers," she says. "What we've seen in other jurisdictions is that when you engage in the massive expansion of the database like that, there are shortcuts that are taken and there's negligence, there's fraud, there's contamination. And it's really an enormous hurdle for defendants."

The bill's authors did exempt minor marijuana convictions from the DNA reporting requirement. But its backers, including Richard Aborn at the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City, say there's a good argument for including even the most minor offenses in the database.

"We know from lots of studies and lots of data now that violent criminals very often begin their careers as nonviolent criminals," Aborn says. "And the earlier you can get a nonviolent criminal's DNA in the data bank, the higher your chances are of apprehending the right person."

That may be why the bill has enjoyed the support of district attorneys all across the state. Aborn says the bill's authors did a good job of making sure that defense lawyers will have access to the database, too. And he points out that DNA can be used to prove innocence, as well as guilt.

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N.Y. Passes DNA Requirement For Convicted Criminals