Chapter 18 - Future Trends

Abstract

This chapter presents future areas of growth and applications for forensic DNA typing. The forensic DNA field has advanced quickly over the past several decades but has now stabilized on short tandem repeat (STR) typing with capillary electrophoresis detection. Innovations continue to be made with every step along the process of producing an STR profile particularly in terms of automation for data collection and data interpretation software. The chapter summarizes the status of various genetic markers in use as of late 2008 and some of their potential applications in the future. The growing toolbox for forensic DNA analysis also includes new technologies along with the additional genetic markers. Mass spectrometry, portable DNA devices utilizing rapid polymerase chain reaction amplification and microchip capillary electrophoresis separations, additional laboratory automation, and improved data interpretation computer programs represent current areas of research that could yield improved efficiencies while maintaining high-quality DNA profiles. The success of DNA testing in solving crimes and aiding parentage investigations over the past several decades has led to the attempts to use DNA in additional areas. An interesting application is the attempt to trace ink samples by lacing them with specific synthetic DNA fragments that could then be amplified at a later date to verify the origin of the ink on a written document. Such an application is not routinely performed today; it shows creative thinking about future possibilities for DNA analysis. Several questions that are often asked regarding the capability of DNA testing for human identification purposes are considered in the chapter.