Forensic partial DNA profiles provide important but controversial information

The following is an excerpt.

Forensic scientists can now construct a partial DNA profile from just a few cells, says David Balding at University College London. However, natural contamination from DNA in the environment, together with the fact that it is impossible to build a complete genetic profile from so few cells, means that interpreting LTDNA evidence is challenging. Consequently, court cases where it plays a central role – such as the trial of Amanda Knox for the murder of Meredith Kercher – often become controversial.

Read the full story here: Software says Amanda Knox’s DNA wasn’t at crime scene

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