Aug 19, 2009

DNA evidence can be fabricated

DNA evidence may no longer be the gold standard of proof in criminal cases.

Scientists in Israel have demonstrated that it is possible to fabricate DNA evidence.

The scientists fabricated blood and saliva samples containing DNA from a person other than the donor of the blood and saliva.

They also showed that if they had access to a DNA profile in a database, they could construct a sample of DNA to match that profile without obtaining any tissue from that person.

The planting of fabricated DNA evidence at a crime scene is only one implication of the findings. A potential invasion of personal privacy is another.

More of this eye-opening and troubling story here.