 |
|
Dr. Adam Wasserstorm, scientist and co-founder of
Nucleix, holds up blood samples, one of them containing fabricated DNA
(L), at the company's laboratory in Tel Aviv August 19, 2009. Scientists
at the Israeli biotech company say that DNA evidence collected at a crime
scene, often considered by investigators and courts to be a critical
indication of a person's involvement in a crime, can easily be fabricated.
Picture taken August 19, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>> |
BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli scientists
have developed a new technology to fight biological identity theft, according to
media reports Thursday.
The researchers showed that with the use of basic
equipment and know-how, anyone can obtain artificial DNA. The standard technique
called whole genome amplification.
Researchers also demonstrated how one could implant
DNA into real blood by using a centrifuge to separate red and white blood cells
and placing the DNA in the former, giving the blood a new profile.
 |
|
Dr. Adam Wasserstorm, scientist and co-founder of
Nucleix, works in the company's laboratory in Tel Aviv August 19,
2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>> |
As part of the experiment, a
sample of the modified blood was sent to a laboratory in the United States that
works with FBI forensic teams, which failed to catch the forgery, researchers
said.
To combat the practice, researchers have
developed a DNA authentication method that distinguishes between real and fake
samples.
The new process was tested on natural and artificial
samples of blood, saliva and touched surfaces, with complete
success, researchers said.
It also identified "contaminated" DNA that had been
mixed with two or more samples.
(Agencies)