DNA Testing - Legal DNA Tests DNA Testing Center Paternity Test

Protecting Your Genes

2011-09-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

After years of deliberation, Americans can rest easy and know that their DNA cannot be used against them. In May of this year, President George W. Bush signed and approved the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA).

More and more genetic tests are being produced that can test for a persons susceptibility to a certain disease. This doesn’t guarantee that the person will get the disease, but it can provide critical information about a person’s risk for developing that disease. In several cases, there are preventative treatments that can often control their risk to either prevent or delay the onset of the disease. For example, if breast cancer ran in a woman’s family, it may be a good idea for her to have the BRCA test done for breast cancer. If she tested positive for the gene, it still does not guarantee she would get breast cancer, but she could take a more active approach in possibly knowing what could happen and catching something sooner. Prior to GINA, the results of that test, could have affected that woman’s coverage from insurance companies. So, she may decide to not get the test done for fear of losing coverage. With GINA in effect, there is room to breathe. Insurance companies cannot use the information obtained from DNA tests as a basis for determining eligibility or premiums to people that would be too high risk for them to cover.

GINA also protects people from their employers as well. It was a very realistic fear that employers could decide not to hire someone based on their genetic information. If a person had a predisposition for alcoholism, the employer might think that was too much of a risk. But that is no longer a concern. Employers also cannot use information obtained from a DNA test when making employment decisions. Employers cannot even request genetic information about a person or their family members.

This bill allows people to get the proper testing and preventative treatments without having to fear the consequences from the insurance companies, or even employers. As science continually advances, it is important that what we learn from it can benefit people, not introduce fear.
www.800dnaexam.com

Clearing the Innocent

2011-07-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Clearing the Innocent

Thanks to the President's DNA Initiative and organizations like The Innocence Project, postconviction DNA testing has become an invaluable tool in exonerating the innocent, often after decades of unjust prison-time and, in some cases, even death row sentences. Investigating innocence claims, however, can be very costly. This past Tuesday, the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs awarded nearly $8 million to Texas, Kentucky, Arizona, Virginia and Washington to assist in postconviction DNA testing. This is definitely an encouraging step as there could potentially be thousands of innocent men and women currently behind bars for crimes they did not commit...and who, without efforts like these, may never find the justice they deserve.

For more information visit: www.800dnaexam.com

Clearing the Innocent

2011-07-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Clearing the Innocent

Thanks to the President's DNA Initiative and organizations like The Innocence Project, postconviction DNA testing has become an invaluable tool in exonerating the innocent, often after decades of unjust prison-time and, in some cases, even death row sentences. Investigating innocence claims, however, can be very costly.

Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs awarded nearly $8 million to Texas, Kentucky, Arizona, Virginia and Washington to assist in postconviction DNA testing. This is definitely an encouraging step as there could potentially be thousands of innocent men and women currently behind bars for crimes they did not commit...and who, without efforts like these, may never find the justice they deserve.

For more information please visit: www.800dnaexam.com

Justice for All Fathers and Children

2011-07-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Justice for All Fathers and Children

Statistics show that approximately 30% of all paternity tests performed reveal that the alleged father is not the biologial father of the child in question. Children of all ages and their presumed fathers undergo DNA paternity testing, and almost a third of them discover that their relationship is not what they thought it to be. In quite a number of these cases, paternity fraud is to blame. When a woman knowingly, falsely names a man to be the biological father of her child, usually for the purpose of obtaining child support, this is known as paternity fraud. So, how is a father to know, without a doubt, that his child really is his? Of course, DNA testing is the answer, but currently, it is not a requirement to legally name a man as the father of a child.

A man has to opt to have a DNA paternity test, and generally must also have consent of the mother to test the child. So, if paternity fraud is a factor, it would be unlikely that the mother would consent to testing. To make matters worse for the potential father, even if the mother did consent, in many states, even if he is proven not to be the child's biological father, a court will likely rule in favor of what is in the child's best interest...likely that the man falsely named as the father still be held legally responsible for that child.

I have talked to many men, victims of paternity fraud, who unjustly are held financially responsible for children that they did not biologically father. Some men scorn the women who wronged them while others take a different approach and feel a moral obligation to care for the child, regardless of what a DNA test proves. In either case, what about the child's right to know his or her biological father? Children are also victims of paternity fraud. I've also talked to grown children who have come to discover, after decades, that they do not know who their biological father is. This sort of discovery can be detrimental to a person.

Fortunately, today, we do see more requests for prenatal paternity tests or tests on newborn children. Many hospitals allow a two week period for adding a man's name to a child's birth certificate as the father, which is plenty of time for a paternity tes t. Knowing the truth very early on can help protect fathers and children from the injustice of paternity fraud.

Just a 'Touch'

2011-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just a 'Touch'

With the advancement of DNA technology, many cold investigations are now being re-opened and evidence submitted for DNA testing. In many cases, the clear evidence may reveal or rule out a suspect, however, if it doesn't, what more can be done? See, when a piece of potential DNA evidence is examined, there is usually a particular area of interest, like a stain, blood, perhaps. So, the stain is what is used for testing, not the seemingly clean remainder of the evidence material. But, if the stain does not provide sufficient proof of a suspect or not, further testing may not be performed since there is nothing else obvious to test. Or, is there?

A relatively new technique called 'touch' DNA utilizes a surface scrape or swab of evidence material, without a visible stain, to detect traces of DNA. Employing this new technique in cold investigations could possibly provide a resolution. USA Today recently released a story that explained a rise in the interest in touch DNA. In July of this year, JonBenet Ramsey's parents were cleared as suspects through touch DNA technology. Other high profile cases have incorporated touch DNA, and with these made public, many crime units are hopeful that touch DNA can help with their cold cases.

As with all other DNA techniques, touch DNA can not necessarily guarantee results or answers. The integrity of a DNA sample is dependent on many factors, such as handling, contamination and storage conditions. The good news is that, even though touch DNA has its downfalls, it gives yet another avenue to explore, when all else seems to have failed.

For more information visit: www.800dnaexam.com

DNA Polymerases

2011-06-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

DNA Polymerases

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that assists in DNA replication. Such enzymes catalyze the polymerization of deoxyribonucleotides alongside a DNA strand, which they "read" and use as a template.The newly-polymerized molecule is complementary to the template strand and identical to the template's partner strand. DNA polymerase is considered to be a holoenzyme since it requires a magnesium ion as a co-factor to function properly.

Function of DNA Polymerase

DNA polymerase can add free nucleotides to only the 3’ end of the newly-forming strand. This results in elongation of the new strand in a 5'-3' direction. No known DNA polymerase is able to begin a new chain (de novo). DNA polymerase can add a nucleotide onto only a preexisting 3'-OH group, and, therefore, needs a primer at which it can add the first nucleotide. Primers consist of RNA and DNA bases with the first two bases always being RNA, and are synthesized by another enzyme called primase. An enzyme known as a helicase is required to unwind DNA from a double-strand structure to a single-strand structure to facilitate replication of each strand consistent with the semiconservative model of DNA replication.

Variation in DNA Polymerases Across Species

DNA polymerases have highly-conserved structure, which means that their overall catalytic subunits vary, on a whole, very little from species to species. Conserved structures usually indicate important, irreplicable functions of the cell, the maintenance of which provides evolutionary advantages. Some viruses also encode special DNA polymerases that may selectively replicate viral DNA through a variety of mechanisms. Retroviruses encode an unusual DNA polymerase called reverse transcriptase, which is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RdDp). It polymerizes DNA from a template of RNA.

DNA Polymerase Families

Based on sequence homology, DNA polymerases can be further subdivided into seven different families: A, B, C, D, X, Y, and RT. Family A polymerases contain both replicative and repair polymerases. Family B polymerases mostly contain replicative polymerases and include the major eukaryotic DNA polymerases. Family C polymerases are the primary bacterial chromosomal replicative enzymes. Family D polymerases are still not very well characterized. Family X contains the well-known eukaryotic polymerase pol â, as well as other eukaryotic polymerases such as pol ó, pol ë, pol ì, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). The Y-family polymerases differ from others in having a low fidelity on undamaged templates and in their ability to replicate through damaged DNA. Family RT the reverse transcriptase family contains examples from both retroviruses and eukaryotic polymerases.

DNA testing techniques

2011-06-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

DNA testing techniques

Another of the many different DNA testing techniques available today is mitochondrial DNA testing. Mitochondrial DNA is different than conventional, nuclear DNA as it is found in the mitochondria of cells, rather than the nucleus, and tends to be much hardier. Another attribute of mtDNA is that it is inherited from one's mother, so it can only be traced through maternal lineage. Due to the properties of mtDNA, the mtDNA testing technique has several benefits over routine DNA testing.

mtDNA is often found, intact, in very old and/or degraded DNA samples, like bone and tooth remains. When nuclear DNA testing can not provide a profile for an old or degraded sample, often mtDNA testing can. For instance, mtDNA testing was useful in the identification of many Hurricane Katrina victims, as water and bacteria degraded much of the victims' remains. mtDNA is also contributive in cold case investigations when very old DNA samples are available.

Another great application for mtDNA is in ancestry. Since mtDNA is found in old to ancient remains, mtDNA profiles have been traced back to tens of thousands of years ago. Many people today can get their own mtDNA profile and enter ancestral databases to determine where their maternal ancestors originated from. National Geographic's The Genographic Project is a great resource for this.

mtDNA is also a good tool in missing persons cases. Firstly, as mentioned before, since mtDNA is found in old or degraded samples, it may be useful in missing persons cases where a missing person's remains are in poor condition. Secondly, missing persons can be identified through comparison of mtDNA profiles with those of potential relatives who share maternal lineage, whether they be mothers, grandmothers, aunts/uncles, brothers/sisters, or children. Aside from parentage tests, nuclear DNA tests sometimes can not conclusively determine a relationship, whereas mtDNA testing can.

Typically, mtDNA testing is more costly and time consuming than nuclear DNA testing, however, in special cases, it proves to be a better avenue for resolving issues. Our laboratory is now offering mtDNA testing and we are finding that more and more people, from law enforcement to private individuals, have reason to refer to DNA testing.

2011-06-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

DNA Familial Relationship Tests

The DNA Identity Testing Center of DNA Identity Testing Center Inc. is an accredited DNA testing laboratory providing full-service familial relationship test. Our laboratory routinely performs DNA tests in cases of questioned grandparentage, siblingship, twin zygosity, maternity.

DNA Maternity Testing

Similar to a DNA paternity test, but designed to determine if a woman is the biological mother of a child. DNA samples can be taken from just the alleged mother and child, or may also include the father. Our BIO SWABTM DNA Collection Kit may be used to collect samples quickly, painlessly, and in the privacy of your own home (private tests only). Upon receipt of all samples, results will be available within 5-7 business days, showing either a 0.00% or >99.9% probability of maternity.

Siblingship DNA Testing

Siblingship DNA Testing is used to determine if two or more individuals biologically share one or both parents. There are two types of DNA siblingship tests for which samples can be tested: Full-Siblingship DNA Test Half-Siblingship DNA Test. Full-Siblingship DNA testing involves two or more individuals potentially born of the same biological parents. Full siblings have 50% of their DNA in common.

Grandparent DNA Testing

Grandparent DNA Testing is designed to establish a biological relationship between an individual and his/her alleged grandparent(s). This may be especially helpful when the alleged father of a child is not available for paternity testing.

Twin Zygosity DNA Testing

Twin siblings can be either 'fraternal' or 'identical'. Our Twin Zygosity DNA Test is designed to determine if twins are fraternal or identical. Identical twins occur when a single egg is fertilized with a single sperm and splits very early during development. Each division contains the exact same genetic potential. The DNA profiles for identical twins will be identical.

Y chromosome Test

Y-STR, or Y Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats, is another testing method we offer. Y-STRs are found only on the male- specific, Y chromosome. This Y chromosome is inherited through the paternal line and is relatively unchanged through many generations. By examining specific locations on the Y chromosome, we can generate a Y-STR profile for each male tested.

Dealing with Infidelity

2011-06-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Dealing with Infidelity

The DNA Identity Testing Center is a leading provider of DNA testing services. We specialize in DNA paternity testing for legal and private use, and offer a wide range of familial relationship tests, Infidelity test.

Infidelity

Infidelity is a breach of faith, and occurs in a number of contexts (e.g., in religious contexts) also called cheating: 'any violation of the mutually agreed-upon rules or boundaries of a relationship'. What constitutes an act of infidelity varies between and within cultures. It does not depend on the presence of sexual behavior. Even within a close relationship, people might have very different ideas and perceptions of infidelity: see Blumstein.

DNAsleuth Infidelity Test

The Original DNAsleuth Infidelity Test Kit of DNA Identity Testing Center will quickly and easily monitor your spouse's sexual activity outside of the relationship by detecting traces of semen left in their undergarments after adulterous sexual relations. Quick Easy and Affordable, Accurately detects invisible traces of dried semen left in undergarments after sex, Multiple Use Kit Performs 5 Tests, Complete Easy to Follow Instructions.

Infidelity Test Kit

DNA Identity Testing Center the DNAsleuth 5 Minute Infidelity Test Kit is simply the easiest and most cost effective way to put an end to the nightmare of suspicion and doubt caused by the infidelity of a cheating spouse.

Infidelity Detection Services

Our services include Semen Detection and DNA Profiling. The semen detection test is used to test for the presence of acid phosphatase, a major constituent of seminal fluid. If a stain tests positive for seminal fluid and sperm is present, a DNA profile may be obtained. Using a known reference sample, a second DNA profile may be obtained and compared to the first. We will be able to determine whether or not the profiles match.

DNA Inherited

2011-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

DNA Inherited

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients.

DNA Analysis

We provide highly service-oriented DNA analysis and counseling for researching biological relationships and we work with top shelf companies to enhance our testing services and to interpret and store the data.

DNA Testing Lab

800dnaexam is committed to bridging the technologies of its cutting edge research lab to high-quality service for the consumer.And the DNA Testing labs that can help you understand the mysteries of DNA.

Home Collection Kit

Take a DNA test at home! Receive a free DNA kit. This kit contains swabs, instructions and DNA information so you can take your own samples, then send your samples to our laboratory with payment for a rapid and accurate DNA test. The AABB inspects and accredits paternity testing laboratories based on the standards adopted and agreed upon by the Parentage Committee.

For more information visit : www.800dnaexam.com

Paternity Form

2011-06-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Paternity Form

DNA Identity Testing Center provides Legal DNA paternity tests are designed especially for use in a court of law. The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Parentage Accreditation Program and participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists.

Paternity Testing

One of a handful of DNA paternity testing laboratories in the world with dual clinical laboratory and parentage testing accreditation, DNA Identity Testing Center provides the broadest range of paternity DNA tests available anywhere including home DNA tests, prenatal paternity testing, immigration DNA testing, kinship analysis, and grand paternity testing.

Private DNA Paternity Testing

The DNA Identity Testing Center specializes in DNA paternity testing. Our private paternity test is designed to be the most convenient, discreet and affordable way to determine paternity. We provide a FREE DNASwab home DNA collection kit, which is used to collect buccal (oral) swab samples quickly, painlessly and in the privacy of your own home.

Paternity Test

DNA Identity Testing Center determines whether a man could be the biological father of a child. We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A DNA paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged father to check for evidence of this inheritance—the most definitive proof of a biological relationship.

Paternity Result

In terms of DNA extraction for paternity testing, it is nearly impossible to speed up the process and still obtain verifiable results. The labs need time to go through precise steps in order to be able to see the markers that need to be compared in order to give a clear paternity inclusion or exclusion. A DNA paternity test result appears all in one page. It contains a DNA profile for each person in the test.

Marital Infidelity

2011-06-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Marital Infidelity

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients.

DNAsleuth Infidelity Test

Original DNAsleuth Infidelity Test Kit of Paternity web will quickly and easily monitor your spouse's sexual activity outside of the relationship by detecting traces of semen left in their undergarments after adulterous sexual relations. Quick Easy and Affordable, Accurately detects invisible traces of dried semen left in undergarments after sex, Multiple Use Kit Performs 5 Tests, Complete Easy to Follow Instructions.

Infidelity Test Kit

DNAsleuth 5 Minute Infidelity Test Kit is simply the easiest and most cost effective way to put an end to the nightmare of suspicion and doubt caused by the infidelity of a cheating spouse.

Infidelity Detection Services

Our services include Semen Detection and DNA Profiling. The semen detection test is used to test for the presence of acid phosphatase, a major constituent of seminal fluid. If a stain tests positive for seminal fluid and sperm is present, a DNA profile may be obtained. Using a known reference sample, a second DNA profile may be obtained and compared to the first. We will be able to determine whether or not the profiles match.

Spying

Spying involves a human being obtaining (i.e., using human intelligence HUMINT methods) information that is considered secret or confidential without the permission of the holder of the information. Espionage is inherently clandestine, as the legitimate holder of the information may change plans or take other countermeasures once it is known that the information is in unauthorized hands.

For more information visit: www.800dnaexam.com

DNA Testing Center

2011-06-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

DNA Testing Center

DNA Testing Center: We specialize in providing Legal/Immigration DNA testing services along with Paternity DNA testing and other Familial DNA testing.

The DNA Identity Testing Center, a division of Bio-Synthesis, Inc., is a leading provider of DNA testing services. We specialize in DNA paternity testing for legal and private use, and also offer a wide range of familial relationship tests. We provide testing to private individuals, law enforcement and legal representatives to resolve paternity disputes, establish child custody, assist with immigration claims, identify rightful heirs, assist with the adoption process and much more.

Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-art instrumentation, which allows us to perform high-resolution DNA-based identity tests, while adhering to the strictest of quality control and quality assurance guidelines of regulatory agencies. Our standard test includes analysis of fifteen genetic markers, plus Amelogenin, the sex-determining marker, which offers accuracies to 99.9999+%.

DNA Paternity Test Results

2011-06-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

DNA Paternity Test Results

In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

DNA Paternity Testing

Our fast DNA Paternity Testing services give you the answers you need. Now, DNA paternity test results are confidential, accurate, and easy to do in your own home. We've been doing DNA paternity testing since 1984. We are the lab you can count on for Legal and Personal DNA Tests.

Paternity Test

We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A DNA paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged father to check for evidence of this inheritance—the most definitive proof of a biological relationship.

Paternity Testing

One of a handful of DNA paternity testing laboratories in the world with dual clinical laboratory and parentage testing accreditation, paternity DNA tests available anywhere including home DNA tests, prenatal paternity testing, immigration DNA testing, kinship analysis, and grand paternity testing.

Paternity Result

In terms of DNA extraction for paternity testing, it is nearly impossible to speed up the process and still obtain verifiable results. The labs need time to go through precise steps in order to be able to see the markers that need to be compared in order to give a clear paternity inclusion or exclusion. A DNA paternity test result appears all in one page. It contains a DNA profile for each person in the test.

Marriage Infidelity

2011-06-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Marriage Infidelity

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients.

DNAsleuth Infidelity Test

Quickly and easily monitor your spouse's sexual activity outside of the relationship by detecting traces of semen left in their undergarments after adulterous sexual relations. Quick Easy and Affordable, Accurately detects invisible traces of dried semen left in undergarments after sex, Multiple Use Kit Performs 5 Tests, Complete Easy to Follow Instructions.

Infidelity Test Kit

Paternity web the DNAsleuth 5 Minute Infidelity Test Kit is simply the easiest and most cost effective way to put an end to the nightmare of suspicion and doubt caused by the infidelity of a cheating spouse.

Spying

Spying involves a human being obtaining (i.e., using human intelligence HUMINT methods) information that is considered secret or confidential without the permission of the holder of the information. Espionage is inherently clandestine, as the legitimate holder of the information may change plans or take other countermeasures once it is known that the information is in unauthorized hands.

Infidelity Detection Services

Our services include Semen Detection and DNA Profiling. The semen detection test is used to test for the presence of acid phosphatase, a major constituent of seminal fluid. If a stain tests positive for seminal fluid and sperm is present, a DNA profile may be obtained. Using a known reference sample, a second DNA profile may be obtained and compared to the first. We will be able to determine whether or not the profiles match.

Grand Parent Age Tests

2011-06-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Grand Parent Age Tests

Grandparent DNA Testing is especially useful when the alleged parents of a child are not available for paternity or maternity testing. Testing the alleged grandparents of the child in question can provide an answer. If the alleged grandparents are the biological grandparents of the child in question, then they are likely to possess common genetic markers. Unlike DNA paternity or maternity tests, which will always provide a conclusive result, Grandparent DNA Testing will reveal a probability of relationship, which may range from <1% to >99%.

Single Grandparent DNA Test

This type of DNA test includes one alleged grandparent and grandchild.

Dual Grandparent DNA Testing

Includes two alleged grandparents (paternal or maternal) and grandchild.

Grandparent DNA Testing Results

For the most accurate results in Grandparent testing, it is best to include both of the alleged grandparents and the grandchild. When both grandparents are included in the DNA test, results may yield greater accuracies. As a general rule, results may vary between <1% and >99% accuracy.

For more information visit: www.800dnaexam.com

Genetic Genealogy

2011-06-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Genetic Genealogy

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

Carrier Identification

Carrier Identification includes genetic tests used by couples whose families have a history of recessive genetic disorders and who are considering having children. Three common tests include those for cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle-cell trait.

Prenatal Diagnosis

Prenatal Diagnosis is genetic testing of a fetus. This may occur when there is a risk of bearing a child with genes associated with mental retardation or physical deterioration. Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic diseases screened by this method.

Newborn Screening

Newborn Screening is frequently done as a preventative health measure. Tests usually have clear benefit to the newborn because treatment is available. Phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism are conditions for which testing is conducted in all 52 states.

Late-Onset Disorders

Late-onset Disorders include adult diseases such as cancer and heart disease. These diseases are complex and have boc and environth genetimental causes. Genetic tests may indicate a susceptibility or predisposition for these diseases. There are diseases caused by single genes, such as Huntington's disease, that also are seen later in life and can be tested at any time.

Identification

Identification of genetic information belonging to a specific individual has received a great deal of press coverage lately. Profiles (aka "DNA fingerprints") are complied from the results of DNA testing for one or more genetic markers to identify unique characteristics of an individual. This information is currently used in legal cases involving paternity and in criminal investigations, and it can be used in time of major accidents, disasters, or wars to identify those who have died.

DNA Paternity Test Cost

2011-06-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

DNA Paternity Test Cost

Our private paternity test is designed to be the most convenient, discreet and affordable way to determine paternity. We provide a FREE DNASwabTM home DNA collection kit, which is used to collect buccal (oral) swab samples quickly, painlessly and in the privacy of your own home. It provides DNA Paternity Test Cost Highest accuracy and reliability at the lowest cost.

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

Paternity Test

Paternity web determines whether a man could be the biological father of a child. We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A DNA paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged father to check for evidence of this inheritance—the most definitive proof of a biological relationship.

DNA Paternity Testing

Our fast DNA Paternity Testing services give you the answers you need. Now, DNA paternity test results are confidential, accurate, and easy to do in your own home. We've been doing DNA paternity testing since 1980's. We are the lab you can count on for Legal and Personal DNA Tests.

Paternity Testing Paternity Web

One of a handful of DNA paternity testing laboratories in the world with dual clinical laboratory and parentage testing accreditation, provides the broadest range of paternity DNA tests available anywhere including home DNA tests, prenatal paternity testing, immigration DNA testing, kinship analysis, and grand paternity testing.

DNA Testing Paternity Web

The DNA of an individual is almost exactly the same in each and every somatic (non reproductive) cell. Sexual reproduction brings the DNA of both parents together randomly to create a unique combination of genetic material in a new cell, so the genetic material of an individual is derived from the genetic material of both their parents in roughly equal amounts.

For more information visit : www.800dnaexam.com

DNA Testing Crimes

2011-06-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

DNA Testing Crimes

The Paternity Testing Center of DNAEXAM is a leading provider of DNA testing services. We specialize in DNA paternity testing for legal and private use, and offer a wide range of familial relationship tests. With highly automated and sophisticated equipment, the modern-day DNA fingerprinter can process hundreds of samples a day.This is very helpful in dectection of crimes.

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

DNA Fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting has become an indelible part of society, helping to prove innocence or guilt in criminal cases, resolving immigration arguments and clarifying paternity.Forensics, paternity and immigration: all have been revolutionised by DNA fingerprinting.

DNA-Fingerprints

DNA-Fingerprint has been acquired by Family Tree DNA.DNA is unique from person to person but the same from cell to cell in one person can be a handy thing, especially when it comes to DNA fingerprinting. DNA fingerprints can be used for anything from determining a biological mother or father to identifying the suspect of a crime.

DNA Fingerprinting Methods

DNA fingerprinting begins by extracting DNA from the cells in a sample of blood, saliva, semen, or other appropriate fluid or tissue.different methods for DNA Fingerprinting are: RFLP (Restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis, STR (Short tandem repeats) analysis, AmpFLP (Amplified fragment length polymorphism), Y-chromosome analysis, Mitochondrial analysis.

Cost of DNA Test

2011-06-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Cost of DNA Test

We specialize in DNA paternity testing for legal and private use, and offer a wide range of familial relationship tests.Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

DNA Test

The DNA of an individual is almost exactly the same in each and every somatic (non reproductive) cell. Sexual reproduction brings the DNA of both parents together randomly to create a unique combination of genetic material in a new cell, so the genetic material of an individual is derived from the genetic material of both their parents in roughly equal amounts.

DNA Testing Paternity Web

DNA testing is the most accurate and conclusive method of verifying biological relationships. For this reason, the USCIS and U.S. embassies often request that immigration petitioners undergo DNA testing to provide evidence of their claimed relationship with potential immigration beneficiaries.

DNA Tests Paternity Web

DNA tests used for immigration purposes include paternity tests, maternity tests, sibling ship tests, and grand parent age tests.

Cost of Dna Test

A DNA test for paternity analysis costs somewhere in the region of $200.If you require the test to be admissible in court, which is often required in cases of child support or disputed paternity, the costs go up.Apparently it could be $500 or $600 if you require a legally binding result, or half that if the results don't need to be legally binding.

For more information visit www.800dnaexam.com

DNA Testing in Law

2011-06-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

DNA Testing in Law

DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis has provided custom antibody production services worldwide, including researcher at university, biotechnology and pharmaceutical institutions. We offer comprehensive services for polyclonal antibody production with large selection for host animals. Each of our facilities is operated under USDA license and holds an NIH Animal Welfare Assurance from the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare. The DNA Identity Testing Center of DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis Inc. is an accredited DNA testing laboratory providing full-service human DNA identity testing for DNA paternity, family relationship, and forensic DNA testing and analysis.

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

DNA Familial Relationship Tests

DNA testing can definitively identify distant biological relationships. Our laboratory routinely performs DNA tests in cases of questioned grandparent age, siblingship, twin zygosity, maternity and more.

DNA Paternity Testing

Our fast DNA Paternity Testing services give you the answers you need. Now, DNA paternity test results are confidential, accurate, and easy to do in your own home. We are the lab you can count on for Legal and Personal DNA Tests.

Infidelity DNA Detection Services

A leader in DNA infidelity detection services, with years of experience in providing conclusive answers to questions of infidelity. Our powerful 3x3 DNASLEUTHTM Infidelity DNA Detection Services can provide you peace of mind.

DNA Identification and Verification

The DNA Identity Testing Center also provides genetic profiling via our SAFEDNATM ID card. Your SAFEDNA ID card will provide positive identification and may be used to ensure child safety, prevent fraud and protect asset.

DNA Testing for Paternity

DNA testing for paternity uses a method call the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. PCR is an extremely effective in analyzing DNA and, as such, can use very small DNA samples. Since your DNA is the same throughout every cell in your body, paternity test results can be determined using DNA samples collected from just about any part of the human body.

Paternity Results

2011-05-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Paternity Results

DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis provides accurate, convenient, affordable, confidential DNA testing and the highest level of service. This DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis system has, since its discovery, attracted the attention of scientists and pharmaceutical company’s .We have gained major advances in understanding the DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis of natural occurring drugs through studies of the molecular genetics and biochemistry.

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

Paternity Testing

One of a handful of DNA paternity testing laboratories in the world with dual clinical laboratory and parentage testing accreditation, DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis provides the broadest range of paternity DNA tests available anywhere including home DNA tests, prenatal paternity testing, immigration DNA testing, kinship analysis, and grand paternity testing.

DNA Testing

The DNA of an individual is almost exactly the same in each and every somatic (non reproductive) cell. Sexual reproduction brings the DNA of both parents together randomly to create a unique combination of genetic material in a new cell, so the genetic material of an individual is derived from the genetic material of both their parents in roughly equal amounts.

Mitochondrial Gnome

The mitochondrial genome is the genetic material of the mitochondria. The mitochondria are organelles that reproduce themselves semi-autonomously within eukaryotic cells. The genetic material forming the mitochondrial genome is similar in structure to that of the prokaryotic genetic material. The mitochondrial chromosome is a circular DNA molecule, but unlike prokaryotes it is much smaller and several copies are present.

Paternity Result

In terms of DNA extraction for paternity testing, it is nearly impossible to speed up the process and still obtain verifiable results. The labs need time to go through precise steps in order to be able to see the markers that need to be compared in order to give a clear paternity inclusion or exclusion. A DNA paternity test result appears all in one page. It contains a DNA profile for each person in the test. The report also shows the combined parentage index (CPI) and a percentage indicating the strength of the result. All of this information produces a single answer for the question of paternity.

Why is DNA useful?

2011-05-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Why is DNA useful?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a chemical found within the body's cells. DNA carries the unique code of identity for every individual. Each of us, at conception, receives half of his genes from his mother (the ovum) and half from his father (the sperm). By analyzing, or "typing," small fragments of a person's DNA, it is evident which genes came to him from each parent. These genes may be tracked within a family group, from grandparent to grandchild, uncle to niece, brother to sister and so on. Since genes are shared among families, it is sometimes possible to "reconstruct" the probable genetic typing for a deceased relative by testing his immediate family. For all of these reasons, DNA typing, sometimes called DNA fingerprinting, has become a well-accepted tool in determining biological relationships between individuals.

The DNA Identity Testing Center is a leading provider of private and legal DNA paternity tests. Our in-house DNA laboratory is accredited by and an active member of the AABB Parentage Testing Accreditation Program. All of our tests are performed using an advanced 16 loci analysis.DNA testing can definitively identify distant biological relationships. Our laboratory routinely performs DNA tests in cases of questioned grandparentage, siblingship, twin zygosity, maternity and more.

Can you do DNA test when alleged fathers are related?

2011-05-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Can you do DNA test when alleged fathers are related?

In paternity cases where there is more than one alleged father in question, often times the men are relatives. Sometimes it may be that the men are brothers, father and son, or cousins. So, when a paternity test is to be performed, one may wonder how the close relationship of the alleged fathers may affect the test results. The closer the relationship, like in the case of two (full) brothers or a father and son, the more likely it is that a false inclusion result could occur. A false inclusion would occur when testing of a non-father results in a probability of paternity of >99%. Close relatives can have very similar DNA profiles, which can lead to a false inclusion result in a paternity test case with two close male relatives that are alleged fathers of the same child. However, by testing both male relatives (or all male relatives, if there are more than two) that could be a child’s biological father, based on circumstance, and the child’s mother, it is highly likely that only one man, the actual biological father, will generate a probability of paternity of >99% (most likely much higher, even). If after testing all men and the child’s mother, if more than one man produced a probability of paternity of >99%, extended testing of additional markers could be performed, which should then certainly identify the true father.

It is important that test participants disclose this kind of information to the laboratory when they initiate a test. When the laboratory is not made aware of multiple alleged fathers and the fact that they are related, a false inclusion result could possibly be reported and the suggestion for further testing to accurately identify the father would not be made.book

How does Prenatal Paternity DNA Testing work?

2011-05-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

How does Prenatal Paternity DNA Testing work?

Although it is easiest to perform a DNA paternity test once a child is born, prenatal testing is available. In order to perform a prenatal paternity test, an invasive procedure is required to obtain a DNA sample from the developing fetus. Either a chorionic villus sampling (“CVS”) or an amniocentesis, performed by the mother’s OB/GYN, will provide the necessary DNA sample from the fetus.

CVS can be performed early in pregnancy, usually between the tenth and twelfth weeks. Later in pregnancy, usually between the twelfth and twentieth weeks, an amniocentesis may be performed. However, neither procedure is considered standard, therefore, the mother must first consult with her physician to determine whether either procedure is even an option for her. If and when a prenatal sample is collected, the physician will submit that sample directly to the laboratory for testing. To test the alleged father and mother, only buccal swab samples would be necessary.

Either a home DNA collection kit may be used if the test is only for private purposes, or an appointment at an authorized sample collection facility can be scheduled if the test is needed for legal purposes. Once all samples are collected and received, turnaround is generally within 2 weeks.

What is touch DNA?

2011-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

What is touch DNA?

With the advancement of DNA technology, many cold cases are now being re-opened and touch DNA evidence submitted for testing. Examination of touch DNA is a relatively new technique whereby a surface scrape or swab of evidence material, without a visible stain, is used to detect traces of DNA. The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is accepting touch DNA samples and has extensive experience working with difficult and unusual samples such as these.

The Standard Approach

When a piece of potential DNA evidence is examined, there is usually a particular area of interest, like a stain, blood, perhaps. So, the stain is what is used for testing, not the seemingly clean remainder of the evidence material. But, if the stain does not provide sufficient proof of a suspect or not, further testing may not be performed since there is nothing else obvious to test.

How Touch DNA Helps?

Employing analysis of touch DNA in cold investigations could possibly provide greater resolutions since unstained material is then considered often times, there is more less obvious evidence material than there is with obvious stains. And, touch DNA has been found on both very old and new evidence material. Recently, there have been high profile cases where touch DNA was incorporated, and with these made public, many crime units are hopeful that touch DNA can help with their cold cases.

Other Considerations

As with all other DNA techniques, touch DNA can not necessarily guarantee results or answers. The integrity of a DNA sample is dependent on many factors, such as handling, contamination and storage conditions. The good news is that, even though touch DNA has its downfalls, it gives yet another avenue to explore, when all else seems to have failed.
The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program and actively participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists. With nearly 15 years experience in the DNA testing field, law enforcement, legal representatives and individuals alike trust BSI with their private and legal DNA testing issues, worldwide. Visit www.800dnaexam.com for a full description of all testing services.

How to collecting DNA Samples without a Laboratory Kit?

2011-05-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

How to collecting DNA Samples without a Laboratory Kit?

Most, if not all, DNA testing laboratories offer free DNA sample collection kits direct to clients, for use in private, “peace of mind” tests. However, sometimes clients ask whether or not a sample can be collected using materials found at home, without a kit from a laboratory. This may happen because of time concerns or if the client must collect the samples very discreetly. While it is highly suggested that a laboratory kit be used to collect DNA samples, as this would contain sterile materials made specifically for testing purposes, in many cases, samples collected using home materials can be used.

Cotton-tipped swabs, i.e. q-tips, as are used for ear cleaning, would be the best tool for collecting buccal samples. For each person that a sample is to be collected from, it is recommended that 2-3 swabs be used. Before handling swabs and collecting samples, hands should be thoroughly cleaned and preferably gloved, as well. Also, a relatively clean mouth is important and a thorough rinse with water (mouthwash is not necessary) for about 30 seconds is generally sufficient. Samples must be collected one person at a time. Since most of these types of home swabs are double-tipped, one should cut off one end of each swab. Then, holding the un-tipped swab end, the tipped swab end should be placed into the mouth, either touching the inner cheek or gum line. Using a rolling motion, swab the oral surface for about 10 seconds. Repeat the swabbing procedure with the second and third swabs, if possible. All swab samples collected from a single person can be placed together in a clean paper envelope and sealed. There is no need to allow the swabs to dry outside of the envelope.

Each envelope should be labeled with the person’s role in the test, i.e. alleged father, child, etc., and the date of sample collection, at a minimum. Other information such as name, race and date of birth can be provided, if the client chooses to disclose the information. Sealed, labeled swab samples should be submitted to a testing laboratory within 1-2 weeks after collection and can be stored in a cool, dry environment or room temperature until submission.

While the laboratory can not guarantee that swab samples collected using home materials will be sufficient for testing and reporting a conclusive result, it is highly likely that they will be if the client follows these explicit instructions.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program and actively participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists. With nearly 15 years experience in the DNA testing field, law enforcement, legal representatives and individuals alike trust BSI with their private and legal DNA testing issues, worldwide. Visit www.800dnaexam.com for a full description of all testing services.

How to set up an AABB Immigration DNA Tests?

2011-05-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

How to set up an AABB Immigration DNA Tests?

In recent years, a new application for relationship DNA testing has emerged. U.S. Embassies and domestic immigration offices have identified DNA testing as a means to verify claimed biological relationships between immigrant visa applicants and petitioners. Family-based immigrant visa applications are approved through a series of checks, including verification of biological relationship. Our laboratory is AABB accredited and is recognized by all U.S. Embassies and immigration offices.

Set Up an AABB Immigration DNA Test

When the applicant chooses to proceed with DNA testing, he/she must then choose an AABB accredited relationship testing laboratory to perform the test. The applicant or petitioner must contact the laboratory to set up the test, which usually involves submission of the "DNA test request letter" issued by the U.S. Embassy or immigration office.

Collecting Samples and Testing

The petitioner residing in the U.S. will be scheduled for a DNA sample collection appointment at an authorized facility nearest him/her. (Buccal swab samples are generally collected by a non-invasive, painless method). The laboratory will ship a DNA sample collection kit to the U.S. Embassy or appointed panel physician for use in collecting the foreign applicant's DNA samples. All samples are then returned to the AABB accredited laboratory for testing. Test turnaround is generally within a week, at which point, the original test report is submitted from the AABB accredited laboratory directly to the office that issued the DNA test request. (The test participants may receive a copy of the report).

Immigration DNA Testing Outcome

If the test legitimizes the claimed biological relationship, an immigrant visa will likely be issued. If it does not, however, then the application will likely be denied. For this reason, it is very important that individuals who request testing fully understand the power of DNA. In some cases, applicants and petitioners may not actually be biologically related, but rather are "related" through circumstance, i.e. families formed in refugee camps, foster families, adoptions. In these situations, of course, a DNA test is going to disprove the biological relationship. In the vast majority of cases, however, individuals are biologically related, their immigration DNA test result proves it, and the family is reunited.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program and actively participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists. With nearly 15 years experience in the DNA testing field, law enforcement, legal representatives and individuals alike trust BSI with their private and legal DNA testing issues, worldwide. Visit www.800dnaexam.com for a full description of all testing services.

Why a DNA Test Result Might Be Inconclusive?

2011-05-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Why a DNA Test Result Might Be Inconclusive?

Why a DNA Test Result Might be Inconclusive Most of the time, a DNA test will provide a conclusive result, whether it confirms a biological relationship or identifies an unknown sample. Sometimes, however, an inconclusive result may be obtained. Why might that be? There may be many reasons, but here are several.

First of all, some samples may not yield sufficient DNA profiles, which would mean that there would be a lack of sufficient data for use in calculating a conclusive result. Insufficient data may tend to come from non-standard or forensic evidence samples, which may be old or degraded. Time and storage conditions can greatly affect the viability of DNA samples. Usually, new samples must be obtained, if available, in order to determine a conclusive result or, perhaps, other, more sensitive testing methods may be utilized.

In a parentage test, specifically one between an alleged parent and child only, a mutation can sometimes be found. Mutations are differences in alleles, which usually vary by one unit, i.e. alleged parent has a 10 allele and the child has an 11 allele. Known mutations have a specific frequency in any given racial population. When that frequency is figured into the Probability of Parentage, it will lower that percentage and sometimes can cause it to fall below 99%. In this instance, it would be recommended to have the other, known parent provide a sample, or if that is not possible, perform extended testing to see if the Probability of Parentage increases.

In other relationship tests, like those between siblings or grandparents and grandchildren, the Probability of Relationship may fall into an inconclusive range. This is because these individuals have a second degree relationship and will likely share fewer similarities in their DNA profiles than would a parent and child (first degree relationship). If, for example, a siblingship test resulted in a 70% Probability of Relationship, it would be considered "uncertain" that the individuals would be related as such. If the individuals were, in fact, biological siblings, testing of their parent(s) would result in an increased Probability of Relationship, thereby confirming the fact that they were siblings. Extended testing of additional markers might also be an option for increasing Probability of Relationship in a situation like this.

Lastly, contaminated samples can be cause for inconclusive results. If a sample is contaminated, showing DNA from more than one person, a mixed DNA profile will result and may be reported as inconclusive, depending upon what the situation is. In forensic cases, contaminated samples are common, such as in the case of a perpetrator/victim scenario. Known DNA samples from the perpetrator and victim would have to be obtained and tested to determine whether they could be contributors to the mixed DNA profile. Samples can also become contaminated by handlers or improper storage and/or exposure. P The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program and actively participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists. With nearly 15 years experience in the DNA testing field, law enforcement, legal representatives and individuals alike trust BSI with their private and legal DNA testing issues, worldwide. Visit www.800dnaexam.com for a full description of all testing services.

What's the difference between Private and Legal DNA testing?

2011-05-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Private vs Legal DNA testing

One of the most common questions our clients ask is "what is the difference between a private and legal DNA test?"

Private tests are referred to as such because there is no requirement for sample donors' verification of identity. Also, the sample donors themselves may perform the actual sample collection, discreetly or otherwise. The samples may then be submitted by the donors themselves directly to the lab for testing. Private tests may only be used for personal knowledge or "peace of mind."

Once samples reach our office and are checked in to the lab, the same exact test is performed on each set of samples, whether the test is private or legal. At the DNA Identity Testing Center, Bio-Synthesis, Inc., the bottom line is that there is not any difference in the actual testing procedure. What separates a private from a legal test is the manner in which samples are collected and submitted.

We do encourage our clients to opt for a legal test, just in case they may ever need to use their results for any legal matter. If a private test is performed and the results may need to be presented in a legal matter, it is very likely that they will have to have a new, legal test performed. If anyone ever runs into this problem, they should rest assured that their private test results will match that of the new legal test, given, of course, that the samples submitted in the private test were from the same individuals as in the legal test.

For more information visit : www.800dnaexam.com

Rape Kit Backlogs

2011-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Rape Kit Backlogs

For the past decade, or longer, many state crime labs have had a huge backlog of untested DNA samples from rapes and other serious offenses. Delays in DNA testing for these types of offenses not only hinders investigations and prosecutions, but may also allow offenders to go on to victimize more people. The majority of DNA samples are sent to state labs because of funding issues. If and when funding is available to send DNA samples to private labs, offenders can then be identified quickly, in as little as a week, often times. Today, the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, the third-largest forensic laboratory in the world, has hundreds of untested DNA samples, nearly half from rape kits, which are talking longer than a month to process. Some sexual assault victims and law enforcement officials say that it can take as long as a year for DNA samples to be processed. In Los Angeles County, major backlogs of untested rape kits were recently exposed, with some being older than a decade.

New York City faced a serious DNA backlog about 10 years ago, but now confirms a six week turnaround for rape kits. In some cases, it appears that state funding for forensics is not allocated properly. Also, DNA backlogs seem to go underreported for long periods of time, which keeps the state from recognizing the enormity of the problem.

DNA Retrieval from the Deceased

2011-05-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

DNA Retrieval from the Deceased

All too often, we hear about cases where people claim to be heir to a recently deceased person's assets. Today, DNA testing is heavily relied upon to resolve questions of relatedness in these cases. However, many times the decedent has already undergone burial once a DNA test is decided to be necessary. So, then bodies are sometimes exhumed, which can expend a lot of time and monetary effort, and certainly cause emotional distress to the decedent's family. Had a DNA sample already been taken from the decedent, a DNA test could be performed quickly and efficiently.

Some argue that DNA retrieval services are unethical. Had the person wanted to have their DNA profile made, they would have done so in their living years. While this may be true in some cases, it is difficult to argue that DNA retrieval from a decedent is not logical. In the past, other methods were used to determine biological relatedness in cases where people claimed to have been related to deceased persons. So, why not use DNA technology, which can quickly and accurately resolve these issues? It is likely that permission for DNA retrieval upon death will become a standard feature in wills and estate planning arrangements.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program and actively participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists. With nearly 15 years experience in the DNA testing field, law enforcement, legal representatives and individuals alike trust BSI with their private and legal DNA testing issues, worldwide. Visit www.800dnaexam.com for a full description of all testing services.
book

Can I have DNA Testing from Earwax Samples?

2011-05-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Can I have DNA Testing from Earwax Samples?

When people need, for various reasons, to have a DNA testing done, the normal, preferred sample to start up with is a buccal swab, where there are enough epithelial samples to obtain a genetic profile. All tissues or biological fluids from the human body contain the same genetic material, in other words, the source of DNA can be muscle tissue, hair, blood, semen, saliva, nails or even earwax. Certainly the best sample in normal cases will be epithelial cells from a buccal swab; however there may be instances where the interested individual may want to obtain a sample discretely and a sample of DNA other than buccal swab may be obtained.

Keep in mind that sources other than buccal swabs or blood can provide a genetic profile, they may not always do so, for reasons dealing with variability in the amount of DNA in various sources (in nails, hair etc) the amounts collected and other reason, however in this special circumstances , one can make use of this non-standard samples. Other situations can be, in cases where a body has already been embalmed (this compromises the quality of the DNA that can be obtained, here eyebrows and earwax can be used. Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a yellowish waxy substance produced within the ear canal; earwax protects the ear canal and also cleans it and lubricates it and also provides protection against bacterial, fungi and insect infections. Most Caucasians and Asians have the honey-dark brown type of earwax, whereas, Asians have the dry/flaky type.

Using home swabs, one can carefully collect earwax; the more the better, and whereas a swab tipful may be enough, 2-3 swabs if possible are desirable; collect carefully form the inner portion of the ear as opposed from the lobes( where soap/shampoo flakes are more prevalent)

For more information visit: www.800dnaexam.com

How to Interpret Kinship Test Results

2011-05-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

How to Interpret Kinship Test Results

Kinship testing is becoming more frequently used to resolve matters like questioned siblingship and grandparentage. Unlike parentage tests, however, kinship tests do not always result in a conclusive probability of relationship (POR).

Our laboratory reports a kinship test result as one of six ways, which are:

* Very probable: POR is 99% or greater
* Probable: POR is >95% to 99%
* Indication: POR is >80% to 95%
* Uncertain: POR is >20% to 80%
* Improbable: POR is >5% to 20%
* Doubtful: POR is 0% to 5%

Since kinship tests are used to identify second degree relationships, one must consider that these individuals do not share as much DNA in common as do a parent and child. For this reason, results are variable and, sometimes, an "uncertain" result could be obtained from truly biological second degree relatives. Full siblings, for example, are expected to share roughly 50% of their DNA in common. However, sometimes full siblings may inherit the exact opposite genes from their parents, which in a DNA test, could look like they are not biologically related. Say, for instance, that at Genetic Marker #1, the mother has the alleles A and B, and the father has the alleles C and D. So, their children could have either AC, AD, BC or BD. Then, say that sibling #1 has AC and sibling #2 has BD. In a DNA test, this would be a complete non-match. Also, if the genes that the siblings do share are common, or have a high frequency, in their given racial population, it may also look like they are not biologically related, or at least not "very probable" to be.

While kinship DNA testing is a very reliable tool for verification of biological family relationships, sometimes extended testing may be needed to obtain conclusive results. On the contrary, however, many times, kinship tests do conclusively identify family relationships.

How to Interpret DNA Maternity Test Results

2011-05-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

How to Interpret DNA Maternity Test Results

Many people think that a DNA maternity test will give a "yes" or "no" answer. The truth is that it is slightly a bit more complicated than that. In the vast majority of tests, either an "inclusion" or "exclusion" result will be reported. What an Inclusion Means?

An inclusion is reported with a probability of maternity (POM) of 99% or more and a match is found at all genetic markers tested. In an inclusion report, it is stated that the alleged mother "cannot be excluded" as being the biological mother of the tested child. These three words often create a lot of confusion. This wording is used since an inclusion can not ever be reported at 100%. However, the combined maternity index (CMI) should also be looked at, as it can help to make the results more understandable. First though, it should be understood that the bare minimum for reporting an inclusion result is with a POM of 99% and a CMI of 100 (alleged mother and child only) or 500 (alleged mother, child and father). Since our laboratory utilizes an advanced analysis of fifteen genetic markers as a standard, we normally see POMs and CMIs far exceed the minimum requirement. So, when the CMI is say, 100,000, it can be interpreted as a 1 in 100,000 (of the defined female racial population) certainty that the alleged mother is the biological mother of the tested child. What an Exclusion Means?

An exclusion is reported with a POM of 0.00%. In an exclusion result, it will be seen that at at least two genetic markers, there is a non-match. In an exclusion report, it is stated that the alleged mother "was excluded" as being the biological mother of the tested child. When an exclusion is reported, a second, independent test will be performed to confirm that the exclusion can be duplicated. Other Possibilities

Another possible result may be an inclusion with a mutation. In most cases, an inclusion result means that at all tested genetic markers, a match is found. However, sometimes an inclusion can be reported when all but one marker has a match (or, in rare cases, two). Known mutations have a specific frequency in various racial populations and, often, that frequency is low. So, when the mutation frequency is figured into the formula for calculating the POM, it can possibly cause the POM to fall below 99%. To confirm mutations, it is always recommended that the father test, if he has not already, or to perform extended testing of additional markers.

For more information visit: www .800dnaexam.com

How to Interpret DNA Paternity Test Results

2011-05-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

How to Interpret DNA Paternity Test Results

Many people think that a DNA paternity test will give a "yes" or "no" answer. The truth is that it is slightly a bit more complicated than that. In the vast majority of tests, either an "inclusion" or "exclusion" result will be reported.

What an Inclusion Means

An inclusion is reported with a probability of paternity (POP) of 99% or more and a match is found at all genetic markers tested. In an inclusion report, it is stated that the alleged father "cannot be excluded" as being the biological father of the tested child. These three words often create a lot of confusion. This wording is used since an inclusion can not ever be reported at 100%. However, the combined paternity index (CPI) should also be looked at, as it can help to make the results more understandable. First though, it should be understood that the bare minimum for reporting an inclusion result is with a POP of 99% and a CPI of 100 (alleged father and child only) or 500 (alleged father, child and mother). Since our laboratory utilizes an advanced analysis of fifteen genetic markers as a standard, we normally see POPs and CPIs far exceed the minimum requirement. So, when the CPI is say, 100,000, it can be interpreted as a 1 in 100,000 (of the defined male racial population) certainty that the alleged father is the biological father of the tested child.

What an Exclusion Means

An exclusion is reported with a POP of 0.00%. In an exclusion result, it will be seen that at at least two genetic markers, there is a non-match. In an exclusion report, it is stated that the alleged father "was excluded" as being the biological father of the tested child. When an exclusion is reported, a second, independent test will be performed to confirm that the exclusion can be duplicated.

Other Possibilities

Another possible result may be an inclusion with a mutation. In most cases, an inclusion result means that at all tested genetic markers, a match is found. However, sometimes an inclusion can be reported when all but one marker has a match (or, in rare cases, two). Known mutations have a specific frequency in various racial populations and, often, that frequency is low. So, when the mutation frequency is figured into the formula for calculating the POP, it can possibly cause the POP to fall below 99%. To confirm mutations, it is always recommended that the mother test, if she has not already, or to perform extended testing of additional markers.

For more information visit: www.800dnaexam.com

DNA Retrieval from the Deceased

2011-05-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

DNA Retrieval from the Deceased

DNA-PROKIDS program to help eliminate international human trafficking

2011-05-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

DNA-PROKIDS program to help eliminate international human trafficking

New estimates indicate that human trafficking will be the number one crime in the world by 2010. Currently, approximately 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders, about 50 percent of which are under the age of 17.

Scientists at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) have recently received a $500,000 grant from The Life Technologies Foundation for use in development of the DNA-PROKIDS Project (Program for Kids Identification with DNA Systems). This program will be designed to deter international human trafficking through the use of DNA testing, which will help to reunite abducted and homeless children with their biological parents/families.

Through PROKIDS, children who are located and found to be associated with any human trafficking activity, i.e. illegal adoptions, living on the street, prostitution, will be DNA sampled. These childrens' DNA profiles will be entered into an international, searchable DNA database, where they can potentially be matched to parents/family members of missing children who have previously submitted their DNA to the program.

UNTHSC is working in collaboration with the University of Granada-Spain to build the needed international DNA database.

About DNAExam

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis Inc., headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is the global leader in DNA testing including, Paternity, Maternity, Siblingship, Avuncularity, Grandparentage, and Forensic Samples, in both Private and Legal Cases since 1995. Our staff of highly experienced and qualified DNA experts and Paternity Consultants has reliably and consistently provided products and services to customers across the country and the world that meet the most demanding requirements for quality, turnaround, and expert technical support.

For more information, please visit 800dnaexam.com or call 1-800-227-0627

Legal Custody Battle of Jackson’s Children

2011-05-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Legal Custody Battle of Jackson’s Children

In a legal custody case which may possibly turn out to be very complex, the custody for Michael Jackson’s children have begun. This case may become the most publicly battled in the history of legal custody in America.

Not different than in his father’s life, the children of world famous Michael Jackson, may not be able to avoid public involvement in the decision of their legal custody. This legal custody battle may also shake the legal system in relation to custody cases because of the complexity of the parent’s surrounding issues. First, the rumors that Michael Jackson was not the biological father of his children, especially the two oldest children, but that he just obtained legal custody through the biological mother. Second, the rumors that Debbie Rowe, the alleged biological mother is, in self-interest, fighting back for the legal custody she had renounced, in exchange of millions, in 2003.

Although genetic testing has proven to solve countless legal custody cases, the case of Michael Jackson’s children may not be as easy. Jackson’s death has ignited a controversy regarding the custody of his three children. Through his last will and testament, before he died, Jackson clearly indicated he wanted his mother to have legal custody to raise his children in case of his death. Besides, he also stated that in case his mother would not be available to take legal custody of his children, he wanted the legal custody to be granted to his best friend, Diana Ross.

On the other hand, Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s ex-wife and alleged biological mother of the children, has decided, against Jackson’s wishes, to fight for the children’s legal custody.

It appears that the upcoming custody case regarding Michael Jackson’s children will resemble the same turmoil he faced when he was alive. The custody case involving the children of one of the most famous entertainers in the world, promises to be extremely controversial. The complexity of the case may involve factors like, the rumors that Jackson was only the alleged father of the children and that Rowe was only the surrogate mother of two oldest children. Of course, all these factors are only rumors which have not been proven.

Although the results of genetic testing have been worldwide and successfully used in courts to resolve legal custody cases, the case of Michael Jackson’s children, may not be as easy as it usually is.

Even though Michael Jackson’s wishes were clearly stated for his mother to have custody of his children, this wish may prove to present a challenge for the courts. Mainly, the California law states that in the case of the death of one of the parents, the custody of minors goes to the living parent. Unfortunately, although Jackson’s request was clear, his desire to have his mother raise his children may not be as easy as his wish. According to the law, Debbie Rowe may be the best candidate to get custody. Without a doubt, the answer is forthcoming, and the case proceedings may turn out to be just as his life, full of controversy.

If there is not a direct DNA sample left that belongs to Michael Jackson, there are a number of options that his genetic profile can be obtained, including performing paternal grand parentage testing (assuming both of his parents are available) or performing siblingship analysis with his brothers and sisters.

Drawing lessons from this situation, it is not a bad idea for heads of households to have their DNA profile performed during calm times, so that if any post mortem questions were to arise, it would be much easier and economical to prove or disprove such paternity allegations.

The collection of DNA in Law Enforcement

2011-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

The collection of DNA in Law Enforcement

The collection of DNA samples is vastly expanding in law enforcement. This expansion includes millions of people who have been arrested or detained but not yet convicted. Although this expansion was intended to assist law enforcement to solve crimes, concerns have been raised about the privacy of offenders and people who are presumed innocent.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined 15 states that collect DNA samples from those awaiting trial and will also collect DNA from detained immigrants. The FBI has a database of 6.7 million profiles expects to increase it from 80,000 a year to 1.2 million by 2012.Through this, FBI officials report they expect an increase in processing DNA backlogs. At present, the backlog has over 500,000 cases.

Law enforcement officials believe that more violent crimes will be solved by expanding the DNA data banks to include legally innocent people. Statistics show that available DNA profiles have helped in the conviction of thousands of criminals and has exonerated more than 200 wrongfully convicted people.Juveniles are required to provide DNA samples in 35 states upon conviction of a crime and in some states upon arrest.

The collection of DNA samples is taken in sixteen states for misdemeanors. It is expected that more law enforcement agencies take DNA samples for a more variety of lesser and suspected crimes. The main objection comes from lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union who want to ensure that DNA samples are not taken indiscriminately for things like writing an insufficient funds check, shoplifting or drug convictions. The F.B.I.’s DNA database is the largest in the world.

Police officers say that the potential dangers of genetic surveillance are worth it because it helps solve crimes and because DNA is more accurate than any other physical evidence. The Denver district attorney and advocate for more expansive DNA sampling simply puts it this way “DNA sampling saves women’s lives.”

Finally, law enforcement officials argue that DNA is blind to race. The national DNA profiles include little more information than the DNA sequence and the referring police agency. The person’s actual names are usually kept by crime investigators. The expected rate of the increase of growth in the FBI’s DNA database is of 1.2 million new entries by 2012.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis Inc., headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is the global leader in DNA testing including, Paternity, Maternity, Siblingship, Avuncularity, Grand parentage, and Forensic Samples, in both Private and Legal Cases since 1995. Our staff of highly experienced and qualified DNA experts and Paternity Consultants has reliably and consistently provided products and services to customers across the country and the world that meet the most demanding requirements for quality, turnaround, and expert technical support.

Gift your child genetic identity

2011-05-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Gift your child genetic identity

According to Dr Jeanette Papp, director of genotyping and sequencing in the University of California at Los Angeles of human genetics, 15% of children born in the Western world are victims of paternity fraud. Statistics from the United States, Australia and other countries show that approximately 30% of all paternity tests rule out the presumed father as the biological father. Paternity fraud is the act of falsely naming a man to be the biological father of a child particularly for the purpose of collecting child support or child maintenance by the mother when she knows or suspects that he is not the biological father. In cases of paternity fraud the defrauded man, the child who is deprived of the relationship with his/her biological father and the biological father who is deprived of the relationship with his child.

These numbers are based on tests performed in cases in which the alleged fathers suspected they were not the biological fathers of the subject child and does not provide a total picture of such incidences in the general population. Currently more than 300,000 such tests are done each year. Since it is unlikely that these paternity tests were done without an underlying reason, almost certainly involving payment of child support, there are thus over 90,000 men who have been falsely accused of paternity each year. With around 4 million children now born each year in the United States, 1.2 million men are likely victims of paternity fraud each year. Thus it can be presumed that by far the great majority of these deceived men are enslaved by the courts and the mother's lies to support these children until at least age 18. Therefore, as many as 21 million men are indentured today, either by marriage or the courts to pay much of their income for children they have no biological ties to.

Steve Scherer, a senior scientist in the department of genetics at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is of the opinion that 10% of babies born in Canada are victims of paternity fraud. A science seminar held in November 2002 for Canadian judges in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada also cited a 10% paternity fraud as per a panel of medical experts. The Canadian Children’s Rights Council states a paternity fraud rate of 15%. According to a study by Dr Judith Eve Lipton, a psychiatrist with the Swedish Medical Center in Washington D.C., between 30 and 50 per cent of women cheat on their partners, compared with 50 to 80 per cent of men. Other statistics place this number at approximately 60% for both the sexes. A self-reporting national poll of 5000 women conducted in Scotland in 2004 reported that 50 per cent of the women said that if they became pregnant by another man but wanted to stay with their partner, they would lie about the baby’s real father.

The 7^th, 8^th and 9^th articles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (1989) states that a child should have the right to be raised by both biological parents, to be identified properly at birth, and require that the government birth registry contain an accurate record of the identity information of both biological and social parents.

Proper identification of a child is necessary as it would provide information about the genetic and other medical diseases for the lifetime of that person.

With the advancement of DNA testing techniques, authentic identification of a child’s parents has become more feasible too. Thus at the time of registering for birth of the child a DNA profiling may be stressed upon

Puerto Rico: Civil Code allows more time to Challenge Paternity

2011-05-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Puerto Rico: Civil Code allows more time to Challenge Paternity

Taking into consideration the scientific advances in the field of genetics as well as social changes, a proposal was submitted, in Puerto Rico, to update the law which regulates the challenge of paternity.

The active Civil Code was amended from the original law, approved in 1930. This law was adopted then from part of The Civil Code of Spain which was based on the social and scientific conditions of the time. Since 1930, Puerto Rico has undergone huge social transformations along with the great scientific advances in the field of genetics.

Filiation, in the legal system, establishes the paternal and maternal relationship of all children to their parents. This relationship generates a series of rights and responsibilities. Filiation, is the act through which a father, mother or both, acknowledge that a child is their son or daughter.The advances in genetic sciences which have provided the DNA technology as a tool to establish paternity results in a conclusive way. Considering the powerful genetic technology, The Legislature of Puerto Rico, has recognized the importance of these genetic tests in judicial cases of paternity to challenge paternity.

Presently, The Civil Code, establishes that challenging paternity of an alleged child has to be done within three months after registering a child, and six months if the alleged father does not live in Puerto Rico.

However, because these terms are so short, they usually elapse before the alleged father can verify his paternity. Not only the alleged father has the right to challenge paternity but also the biological father. In addition, the mother can exercise that right in both cases, when the natural father is needed to recognizes paternity of a child but also when maternity is in question (as in cases of accidental exchanges of babies at hospital) and abductions.

Both paternity and maternity are familial relationships which entail great financial and emotional responsibilities towards a child. This parental responsibility cannot be imposed to an individual just because at one point, the individual agreed. It is very important to look after a child’s best interest, but this should not be done at the expense of neglecting basic principles of justice and truth. In the same way that love cannot be faked, neither can paternity.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis Inc., headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is a global leader in DNA testing including, Paternity, Maternity, Siblingship, Grandparentage, and Forensic Samples, in both Private and Legal Cases since 1995. Our staff of highly experienced and qualified DNA experts and Paternity Consultants has reliably and consistently provided products and services to customers across the country and the world that meet the most demanding requirements for quality, turnaround, and expert technical support. For more information please call 972-420-8505.

Former Presidential Candidate’s Paternity Case

2011-04-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Former Presidential Candidate’s Paternity Case

Former Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards in the news today. This time, he finally admitted that he fathered a child during an affair before his second White House bid. Edwards dropped a long series of denials about the paternity of this child shortly before a book by a former campaign, is about to be released in a couple of months. Edwards released a statement admitting he is, Frances Quinn Hunter’s father, who was born in 2008. Frances, is the product of his affair with Reilly Hunter. Edwards had already confessed to the affair but had denied the paternity of the child.

Today, Edwards admitted that "It was wrong for me to ever deny she was my daughter". He added that “he was providing financial support for the child and mother”. In his book, Young is expected to describe how Edwards worked to hide his paternity with Young's help.

Young initially claimed he was the child's father shortly before the 2008 presidential primary contests began. Word that Young was naming Edwards as the father first came when details of his book proposal were reported by The New York Times in September. Edwards' lawyer at the time declined to comment.

Frances was born Feb. 27, 2008, indicating that she was conceived in the middle of 2007, several months after Hunter stopped working for Edwards. At the same time, John and Elizabeth Edwards renewed their wedding vows in July of 2007 as they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

Hunter's lawyer, Michael Critchley, said Edwards statement amounted to a public acknowledgment of something that was already known privately. He added that Hunter did not have an immediate comment. It is not even clear where she and the child are living.

Strikingly, in an excerpt of an ABC News interview released Thursday, Young says that Edwards asked him to arrange a fake a paternity test, to "get a doctor to fake the DNA results". Besides, Young said that Edwards also asked him to steal a diaper from the baby so he could secretly do a DNA test to find out if this indeed his child."

Since admitting the affair in August 2008, Edwards has largely gone into seclusion. Both Young and Hunter have made appearances at a federal courthouse in Raleigh.

Edwards said in his statement, "I will do everything in my power to provide the child with the love and support she deserves”.

Edwards admitted that he has spent time with her during the past year. He also said that “he trusts that future efforts to show her the love and affection she deserves can be done privately and in peace." Edwards admitted that "it was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter and hopefully one day, when she understands, she will forgive me." He stated that he has been providing financial support for the child and have reached an agreement with her mother to continue providing support in the future". Edwards' attorney, Wade Smith, said Edwards wrestled with the decision to come forward but took so long to do it because there were other people involved. Smith stated that “ this is a complex family situation, and Edwards had to keep in mind that other people have concerns and worries about it".

A longtime friend of Edwards and political pollster, said that Edwards had to come to an agreement on child support before coming forward. He said that coming to an agreement on child support, was the last piece". Nobody knows exactly why Edwards denied that he was the child’s biological father. But he added that Edwards was "very pleased" to finally set the record straight. His friend added that “to say that life has been hard for John Edwards for the past year would be an enormous understatement but he recognizes that he has been at fault." Edwards adamantly denied during an interview with ABC News last summer that he had fathered a child with Hunter, and that he would welcomed a paternity test. At that time, Edwards reported that his affair with Hunter had ended in 2006.

PATERNITY TESTS TO PROTECT OUR SOLDIERS

2011-04-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

PATERNITY TESTS TO PROTECT OUR SOLDIERS

In too many cases, fathers end up paying child support on other men's children and do not know it. Failing to comply with court mandated child support can result in a jail term, loss of wages, and social stigmas. In many cases, the mother’s of these children know that the men paying child support are not the biological fathers. There are several possible scenarios which may lead a mother to believe her only option is to commit paternity fraud. Perhaps the couple was not married, had a brief sexual relationship, and the mother needs someone to support the child; or the alleged father believes the children are his because they were born when he was in a relationship with the mother; that a wife had an affair that resulted in an illegitimate child, and she does not want the marriage to break; or even after a bitter breakup, a woman claims that the child is his because she is mad at him and wants to get even. Regardless of the situation, this is fraud.

When a woman makes this type of false claim to a court in a divorce or a child support action, she is committing perjury. Fortunately, with the advances and wide availability of scientific technology, it is easy, affordable, and worth the effort to get an accurate paternity test through DNA analysis. Not only is it fair to the alleged father to verify paternity, but also to the child. Parenting is both a financial and emotional obligation, and knowing the truth is in the best interest of all parties involved.

A group which is most vulnerable of such frauds is our military men who proudly and voluntarily serve our country. As America's servicemen are risking their lives to protect their families and our own, they may end up serving a jail term once they return to the United States for failing to financially support a child that is not their own. It does not seem fair that soldiers risking their lives in Iraq might face prison over child support upon return. Our soldiers have a modest salary at best, and often they are unable to pay the impossible financial burdens put upon them for child support. It is disheartening to know that servicemen who risk their lives to protect us will possibly face arrest as soon they step off their plane home. Yet this is precisely what happened after Desert Storm, and it is happening again.

The Christian Science Monitor reports that a soldier whose domestic job pays a $31,000 yearly gross salary must pay $900 a month in child support. His reserve pay will reduce his income to $27,000. The Monitor neglects to point out that even at the higher pay, this is about half the man's take-home pay, and that he is likely to be living on less than $1,000 a month. These complaints of the financial burdens have not gone completely unheard, but the response may not be enough. The federal government has issued a generic PR smokescreen, urging soldiers to contact their local child support agencies to request a modification, but such requests require a long, tedious, and broken process, and are seldom granted in enough time to avoid the consequences of not paying child support.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis Inc., headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is the global leader in DNA testing including, Paternity, Maternity, Siblingship, Avuncularity, Grandparentage, and Forensic Samples, in both Private and Legal Cases since 1995. Our staff of highly experienced and qualified DNA experts and Paternity Consultants has reliably and consistently provided products and services to customers across the country and the world that meet the most demanding requirements for quality, turnaround, and expert technical support. Visit us at www.800dnaexam.com

Do You Need a DNA tests?

2011-04-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

The need for a paternity test arises, many questions arise also. How does a paternity test work?

What is the procedure for paternity testing? How accurate and reliable are the results? How do I interpret results? What do the results mean to my case?

Paternity testing yields results to verify biological relationship. These samples can be collected in a number of ways to get DNA cells from swab from the mouth. This process is painless.

Sample Failure: There is always a risk, though slight, of a sample not containing enough DNA for the test. This is due to collection error or the client's mouth conditions (dry mouth, excessive tobacco usage, etc.).

Single Exclusion: When just one of the DNA systems examined reveals a mismatch between the alleged father and child, it is called a single exclusion. The laboratory cannot conclude paternity or non-paternity without further testing. Further testing will reveal either: more exclusionary DNA systems, excluding the alleged father, or more matching DNA systems, indicating that the single exclusion is a mutational event. A mutational event is a naturally occurring event and does not mean that either the father or child has any medical problem.

Double Exclusion: If there are at least two exclusionary DNA systems between the alleged father and child, this is called a double exclusion. However, if the two exclusionary systems reveal data that are only one number apart, there is a remote possibility that a double-mutational event occurred. This is extremely rare, but since it can occur, additional testing must be performed to give the client a conclusive result.

Low Paternity Index: If all the DNA systems examined match between the alleged father and child, usually the result indicates a 99.9% probability of paternity. Sometimes, however, the genes shared between the alleged father and child are so common that the probability of paternity doesn't reach 99%. Further testing will likely reveal additional matches and will increase the probability to a minimum of 99%. Another cause of low paternity index is if no race is submitted on either the alleged father or mother, or if the race is not of the standard race tables.

Bio-Synthesis, Inc. offers all kinds of DNA tests. Visit www.800dnaexam.com

Egypt Will Soon Announce DNA Test Results of King Tut

2011-04-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Egypt Will Soon Announce DNA Test Results of King Tut

Egypt’s antiquities department will soon reveal the DNA test results from the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun, the world’s most famous ancient king, in a hope to solve lingering mysteries over his lineage. The results of DNA tests and CAT scans will be announced on February 17th by archaeology chief Zahi Hawass, and will be compared to results from Tutankhamun’s possible grandfather, King Amenhotep lll.

The tests, which are part of a broader program to check the DNA of hundreds of mummies to determine their identities and family relations, have the possibility of helping decode the mystery of Tutankhamun’s family lineage. As part of the program, Hawass has ambitious plans for DNA tests on Egyptian mummies, including tests on all royal mummies and nearly two dozen unidentified ones stored in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and expects that the tests may show that some royal mummies on display are not who archaeologists thought them to be. The task of finding the mummy of Nefertiti, the queen legendary for her beauty, is one of his top goals.

For a long time now Hawass has reject DNA testing on Egyptian mummies by foreign experts. He recently allowed these projects on the condition that they are done exclusively by Egyptians, and consequently, with funding from the Discovery Channel, a $5 million DNA lab was created at the Egyptian museum.

With the identity of Tut’s parents not firmly know, some experts believe he is the son of Akhenaten and one of his queens, Kiya. But some believe he is the son of a pharaoh who followed Akhenaten and was lesser known. Akhenaten is well known as the pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who tried to introduce monotheism to Egypt. Tutankhamun was one of the last kings of the 18th Dynasty and ruled during a turmoil-filled period when monotheism was ended and powers were returned to priests of Egypt’s deities.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis Inc., headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is the global leader in DNA testing including, Paternity, Maternity, Siblingship, Avuncularity, Grandparentage, and Forensic Samples, in both Private and Legal Cases since 1995. Our staff of highly experienced and qualified DNA experts and Paternity Consultants has reliably and consistently provided products and services to customers across the country and the world that meet the most demanding requirements for quality, turnaround, and expert technical support. Visit us at www.800dnaexam.com

HLA DNA typing – Disease Association

2011-04-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

HLA DNA typing – Disease Association

HLA or “human leukocyte antigen” system is the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans, which includes several hundreds of genes located in a highly polymorphic region of chromosome 6 that encode for proteins critical for the immune system [1]. Historically, these proteins are called antigens because of their discovery as crucial factors in tissue rejection by the host, a critical matter in organ transplantations. Thus, typing of the HLAs from donor and recipient, allows matching those with the highest similarities between their HLA genes or alleles to minimize the chances of rejection; an application that is still the most important for HLA typing. ose from othIn fact, the HLA profile defines the cells from an individual or “self”, distinguishing them from ther individuals showing a different HLA profile, “non-self”. As indicated, HLAs play a critical role in the immune system, particularly in antigen presentation, the process by which macrophages and dendritic cells or antigen presenting cells, process antigens for recognition by T cells. The two main HLA groups involved in antigen presentation are the Class I and Class II antigens that have different immunological roles.

HLA Class I antigens (A, B and C) transport and present peptides produced by degradation of proteins inside the cell, i.e. endogenous antigens such as viral antigens, to CD8+ T cells (killer T cells) that seek and destroy only those cells that in addition to the HLA Class I, carry also foreign or not-self antigens (T cell immunity). Under normal conditions, these killer T cells recognize but do not destroy those cells with the right “self” tag, i.e. HLA-I, unless they also carry a non-self antigen. Yet, under pathological conditions, like in certain autoimmune conditions, killer T cells can destroy cells carrying self-antigens, causing damage to the body.

In contrast to HLA-Class I, the role of HLA Class II antigens (DRB1, DRB3,4,5, DQA1/DQB1, DPB1) is to present the peptides from processed proteins that are produced outside the cell, exogenous antigens derived from sources like bacteria and protozoa, to helper T-cells to stimulate their multiplication. These helper T cells then stimulate B-cells to produce antibodies against the foreign antigens (humoral immunity) [2].

Although HLA typing is largely use to match organ donors and recipients, advances in the biomedical field has allowed the typing techniques to become more accurate and yield more detail information. Studies using this new information have made obvious the fact that there are significant correlations between certain HLA types and specific diseases. Consequently, HLA typing is becoming a tool to screen susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases, as a factor affecting the prognosis of certain autoimmune and infectious diseases. However, the association between HLA type and most infectious diseases is not very clear because of the multiplicity of factors that can affect their outcome. Nevertheless, in some cases such a relation is obvious, a situation that may be helpful in establishing either the resistance or susceptibility to certain infectious diseases and even a prognosis of the disease progression [3]. Another area in which HLA typing is becoming quite important is cancer, a class of diseases where HLAs can play a role in increasing susceptibility and resistance, as well as in tumor cells evading immune surveillance. Moreover, in some cases, the HLA type shows a good correlation with the prognosis of the disease upon treatment. Here, we would discuss the different applications of HLA DNA-typing to autoimmune, infectious diseases and cancer.

Autoimmune diseases

As previously indicated, the immune system under normal conditions is usually tolerant to cells carrying “self” HLAs, i.e. it does not mount an immune response against them. Yet, in many cases, there is a mild low level of autoimmunity that presumably allows immune surveillance by the immune system and the destruction of newly formed cancer cells. Although apparently there are several genes suspected to be involved in autoimmunity, there is strong evidence that certain inherited HLAs are involved in certain specific autoimmune diseases. Because of their important role in the presentation of processed antigens to T cells, HLAs are in a unique position to modify the immune response and cause autoimmunity. HLAs can determine which antigenic peptides are bound for presentation to the immune system, thus it can present “self” peptides auto reactive T cells. In other cases, certain HLAs may bind peptides from infectious agents that share some similarities to the self-antigens to generate an immune response against self-antigens; this molecular mimicry often leads to autoimmunity. In fact, several HLAs, like HLA-B27, are associated with various autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Some of these autoimmune diseases, their association to specific HLAs, and the relative risk of acquiring the disease as a function of specific HLAs are briefly discuss here.

Rheumatoid Arthritis. An inflammatory disease that is the result of a complex immune cascade and that its susceptibility is dependent on the presence of HLA-DR4 and HLA-DRB1 [4]. Presence of these HLA types increases the risk factor of contracting the disease 7-fold when compared to that population not carrying these HLA genes. In Peruvian mestizo patients the HLA allele DRB1*1402 is associated with a significant risk of contracting the disease.

Post-infectious Arthritis. An inflammatory condition of the joints, triggered by gastrointestinal or genitourinary bacterial infections or by a viral infection. Although it is assume that the synovial fluid is sterile, studies using PCR had detected bacterial DNA in the fluid. It has been found that individuals that suffer of this disease carry the gene for HLA-B27 and that the risk factor increases 10 to 20-fold [5]. Diagnosis is usually made by examining the synovial fluid for the presence of pathogenic antigens or DNA. However¸ detection of the HLA-B27 gene should be an effective confirmatory test.

Type I Diabetes. A disease strongly linked to HLA genes, however, the relative importance of the different HLA genes involve is quite complex and changing with new discoveries in the area. Moreover, in addition to the HLA genes there are other unrelated genes that play a role in the susceptibility to contract the disease. The HLA-DR3 and DR4 genes have been identified as playing important roles and that the presence of any of these two genes increases the risk of contracting the disease 5-6-fold, while the presence of both genes increases the risk factor to 15 [6]. Yet, new research indicates that some HLA-DQ genes play a role in susceptibility to the disease that is even higher than that of the DR genes.

Autoimmune Hepatitis. An inflammation of the liver due to unknown causes that raises the possibility that the chronic hepatitis observed in many patients may be in many cases due to an autoimmune reaction. The incidence of autoimmune hepatitis in South America although not well established it is apparently significant. Like other autoimmune diseases, there are genetic factors that affect its occurrence, e.g. HLAs; however, different ethnic groups have different susceptibility alleles. For instance, in South America is HLA DRB1*1301 while in Europe is HLA DR3. These HLAs have significant differences in their sequences within the antigen binding grove of the HLA DR molecule [7]. This fact strongly suggests that perhaps an unidentified indigenous etiologic agent must be the cause of autoimmune hepatitis in

The Challenge to Challenge Paternity

2011-04-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Many states vary in their paternity laws. In Texas, a child born to a married couple is presumed to be their biological child. The marital presumption was established in efforts to protect both parents and children. It assumes that husband and wife have remained faithful to their vows. Until recently, it was believed that this was the best way to handle the issue of challenged paternity. It was very useful when there was no reliable way to disprove the husband’s paternity. Before the advances of genetic testing, there was no way to disprove a presumed father’s paternity unless it could be proven that the presumed father was either impotent or sterile.Besides, another possibility was when the father had not been physically present for long periods of times, as in times of war, when child was conceived.

With advances in science and technology, genetic testing has become more and more precise and is now widely used to establish paternity.

However, there is still much debate as to whether genetic testing should be used to establish paternity of marital children.

In Texas, a father establishes paternity automatically when married to the child’s

mother at the time the child was conceived. The other way to establish paternity is

by adopting a child and also by participating in In Vitro Fertilization with wife resulting

in the birth of a child.

Bio-Synthesis, Inc. , AABB acredited, offers a wide range of DNA testing. Visit www.800dnaexam.com

It is possible to distinguish even Identical (Monozygotic) Twins

2011-04-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

It is possible to distinguish even Identical (Monozygotic) Twins

It is possible to distinguish even Identical (Monozygotic) Twins. Identical (monozygotic) twins Raymon and Richard Miller had better watch out. The two were embroiled in a paternity suit that alleged both had slept with the same woman on the same day and nobody knew which brother had impregnated her. In May 2007, the judge decided that Raymon is the legal father of the child who was subsequently born although child support was split between the two brothers.

Standard paternity testing examines 16 DNA markers which is enough to make them over 99.99% accurate. In the case of the State of Missouri and Holly Marie Adams vs. Raymon and Richard Miller, the paternity test showed that the two brothers both had a 99.999% probability of being the father. There is currently no commercially available test that can determine which of the twin brothers passed his DNA to the child even though there are ways in which the genomes of identical twins differ. Epigenomic chemical modifications. Researchers at Ohio State University found epigenetic changes in twins’ genomes that increased as pairs of twins aged. One of the main epigenetic processes that occurs to our DNA is methylation which can be caused by environmental exposures, such as diet and physical activity. Methylation can lead to differences in gene expression and as we age, the amount of DNA methylation increases. So, it’s expected that identical twins will grow less and less similar in their patterns of DNA methylation and gene expression as their lives progress especially if their lifestyle habits and surroundings differ greatly. DNA copy-number-variation profiles. Another way in which the genomes of identical twins may differ is in copy number variation (CNV) that appears as segments of DNA that are missing, occur in multiple copies, or have flipped orientation in the genome. Identical (monozygotic) twins have been found to have different CNVs which could explain why even identical twins are not truly identical in appearance or other physical characteristics despite similar environmental exposures. For example, one twin sometimes develops a disease while the other does not. The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis Inc., headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is the global leader in DNA testing including, Paternity, Maternity, Siblingship, Avuncularity, Grandparentage, and Forensic Samples, in both Private and Legal Cases since 1995. Our staff of highly experienced and qualified DNA experts and Paternity Consultants has reliably and consistently provided products and services to customers across the country and the world that meet the most demanding requirements for quality, turnaround, and expert technical support. For more information, please call 1-800-227-0627 or visit www.800dnaexam.com

Is Paternity Fraud Possible?

2011-04-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

In a study released by Moores University in England, results revealed that 1 in 25 fathers could be raising another man’s child. In fact, the study concluded that 4 percent of all men are possibly raising a child they have not fathered.

These statistics are in accord with those available in the U.S. A . A report issued by the American Association of Blood Banks in 2000 found that nearly 30 percent of paternity tests conducted in the U.S. resulted in "exclusions", a result which indicates that an alleged father tested cannot be the biological father of a child. In this case the participants, alleged father and child, are not genetically shown to have the biological father- child relationship.

For instance, unmarried men can be ordered to pay child support for children who are not biological theirs unless a paternity test can disprove paternity. In fact, an alleged father could be sued for paternity judgments without his knowledge of a possible child.

The confirmation that a child is not a biological child to an alleged father raises many serious legal questions. Many of the alleged fathers have ben legally responsible and liable for child support. The question is, how to handle the facts? Are they still responsible? Should alleged fathers get compensated financially for the time they supported a child that was not legally theirs? DO the child's mother bare any responsibility?

More importantly than the legal and financial issues, there are significant emotional consequences when the truth about paternity is revealed. While many men challenging paternity have little or no relationship with their children, some men have loved and raised these children from the day they were born. In fact, these questions and concerns are at the heart of an ongoing debate about paternity fraud. Thanks to DNA technology, the courts, individuals, families and children have benefited from paternity results. Many fathers have been exonerated from a life time of financial, emotional and relational responsibility invested in a child who deserves to know their real father. Many mother's have been granted the much needed financial and emotional support to raise a child. Life is complex. Relationships are complex.

The issue is in the "eye of the beholder". Needless to say, paternity results have benefited millions of children worldwide.

Approximately 12 states in the USA have some form of paternity fraud law that allows a man to legally challenge paternity once a paternity tests has proven he has been excluded to be a child's biological father. Several of these laws are open-ended, meaning that the man can file his petition at any time after the child’s birth. Others have a stricter statute of limitations of two to three years. Leving, a paternity fraud lawyer, believes that "ignoring paternity fraud is not different than ignoring DNA testing showing any other crime".

In Forensic News

2011-04-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

The DNA Informant reported that forensic scientists used the DNA of a Houston woman killed in 1990 to identify her slain twin sister whose skeletal remains were discovered stuffed inside a barrel at the home of her convicted killer husband two decades later, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Stacie Anderson's gruesome remains were discovered Oct. 21 in the 55-gallon metal barrel at the home of Dennis Ray Anderson. Stacie Anderson had not been seen since 1999 when she was 30 years old. Her husband never reported her missing.

It was after the discovery of her body that law enforcement officers sought Dennis Ray Anderson, 64, on charges of tampering with evidence. He killed himself Oct. 29 at a motel in Pensacola, Fla., and left a suicide note confessing to strangling his wife. The note said he killed her because he suspected she had stolen money and personal items from him.

Dennis Anderson had been sentenced to life in prison for the 1972 slayings of Mabel McCormick and her granddaughter, Les Bowman, 3, during an antique shop robbery in Kountze. He was paroled in 1989.

Stacie Anderson's sister, Tracie De Ann Lutz, was slain in 1990 and her killing remains unsolved. Anthropologists and scientists at the Harris County Institute Of Forensic Sciences used DNA from Lutz's autopsy to identify her sibling's remains.

Pathologists compared preserved tissue samples from Lutz to DNA extracted from Stacie Anderson's bones. The result was a positive match, said Dr. Jennifer Love, forensic anthropology director at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Genetics and ADHD

2011-04-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

The diagnosis of ADHD's includes a conglomerate of symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness.
Mainly, it affects children and they become restless and cannot concentrate on homework and even TV.
Children with ADHD are very impulsive. Most children begin to show symptoms early in their development.
Most children with severe ADHD show inappropriate development of attention for their age.

The symptoms of ADHD disrupt a child's life and relationships. Adults with ADHD are likely to have difficulties with employment and substance abuse.

The diagnosis of ADHD has been known to run in families. Research shows that it has a genetic component. According to Professor Thapar from Cardiff University, the cause ADHD is unknown but it has a genetic contribution. She cited studies from over a decade ago with studied identical and non-identical twins which showed that ADHD is indeed highly heritable. It is a fact that close relatives with ADHD are more likely to develop it themselves.

One research issue remains open for more investigation. That is to find out more specifics in the connection of ADHD to it's genetic component. One question: if ADHD is all genetically based? If yes, why is it that 30% of children who are diagnosed do not have it as adults. Epigenetic theory, now being widely embraced by the scientific community, maintains that human development includes both genetic origins of behavior and the direct influence that environmental forces have on the expression of those genes.

Epigenetic theory regards human development as a dynamic interaction between these two influences. In other words, the way genes express themselves is greatly impacted by environment.

The issue remains to find the genetic connection to ADHD.

Legal Custody Battle of Jackson’s Children

2011-04-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

Legal Custody Battle of Jackson’s Children

On the other hand, Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s ex-wife and alleged biological mother of the children, has decided, against Jackson’s wishes, to fight for the children’s legal custody.

For more information visit: www.centrodeadn.com

Infidelity Testing

2011-04-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

Infidelity Testing

DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis Infidelity Test is a two-step test that can detect the presence of DNA (semen or vaginal fluids) on a forensic sample and then (if desired) compare this DNA to the DNA on a comparison sample.

Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

DNAsleuth Infidelity Test

The Original DNAsleuth Infidelity Test Kit of DNA EXAM of Bio-Synthesis will quickly and easily monitor your spouse's sexual activity outside of the relationship by detecting traces of semen left in their undergarments after adulterous sexual relations. Quick Easy and Affordable, Accurately detects invisible traces of dried semen left in undergarments after sex, Multiple Use Kit Performs 5 Tests, Complete Easy to Follow Instructions.

Infidelity Test Kit

The DNAsleuth 5 Minute Infidelity Test Kit is simply the easiest and most cost effective way to put an end to the nightmare of suspicion and doubt caused by the infidelity of a cheating spouse.

Adultery Tracing

DNA infidelity test exposes a suspect of adultery by identifying the presence of any foreign DNA (male or female) deposited on a stain or within a sample that you might want us to analyze.

DNA Infidelity Testing

DNA testing typically provides conclusive results that confirm or deny the presence of male and/or female DNA on suspicious items. Using infidelity testing, a partner in a relationship can test a spouse for unfaithful behaviour.

DNA Paternity Testing Houston

2011-04-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

DNA Paternity Testing Houston

Bio-Synthesis the first company to provide commercial custom Oligonucleotide synthesis services, has remained a major force in advancing biotechnology research both as leading supplier and developer of new technologies for Oligo synthesis and DNA testing analysis.

Our staff works hard to make the Bio-Synthesis your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.

DNA Paternity Testing

Our fast DNA Paternity Testing services give you the answers you need. Now, DNA paternity test results are confidential, accurate, and easy to do in your own home. We've been doing DNA paternity testing since 1980's. We are the lab you can count on for Legal and Personal DNA Tests.

Biochemical Researchers

Biochemical researchers choose BSI as their major supplier for oligonucleotide synthesis because of our core values: QUALITY, SPEED and HIGH THROUGHPUT capabilities. Quality is not just a goal, it is a GUARANTEE. Every oligo synthesized must pass strict quality control guidelines before delivery to our customers.

Oligo Synthesis

In addition to high quality production, speed of our oligo synthesis has improve to next day delivery in most cases. Through improvement from traditional chemistry to development of advanced state-of-the-art proprietary instrumentations, BSI has achieved the goal of providing the most economical, high throughput, quality custom DNA synthesis.

Innocence Project forging a better world

2011-01-06T13:28:00.001-08:00

The Innocence Project, started in New York, is a noble organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted prisoners through DNA testing and to reforming the judicial system responsible for incarcerating innocent people. The Innocence Project has currently exonerated 256 people in the United States, of which 17 were on death row. The average sentence of the prisoners is 13 years before being released. This week a Texas man was exonerated after the longest sentence served in Texas making him the 29^th case in the past year. As in this case 75% of the exonerated were wrongfully imprisoned because of misidentification.

After serving 30 years of his 75 year sentence, Cornelius Dupree from Houston was declared innocent this week by Dallas County Judge Don Adams when DNA evaluation of evidence cleared him of involvement in a 1979 case. He had been accused and convicted of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. Dupree and his friend were wrongly identified by the two victims in the case. The DNA evidence also clears Dupree’s friend, Anthony Massingill, who awaits exoneration but remains incarcerated for another rape case for which he also maintains his innocence. The Texas Wesleyan Innocence Project represents Massingill and will begin their examination for that case soon.

Dupree had contacted The Innocence Project many years before they began their investigation in 2006. For these cases it must first be established if physical evidence exists and it takes a long time to find out and do DNA testing before the appeals processes begin. Huge backlogs of criminal records impede the speed of this process. Though the accused are very unlucky to be wrongfully convicted in the first place many prisoners are lucky if physical evidence exists for their case and to have The Innocence Project there to fight for them.

Today the best methods are used in the identification process of suspects and it is assuring that with the assistance of DNA perhaps the amount of wrongful accusations and convictions will significantly diminish.

Opening Pandora’s Box on DNA

2010-12-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

At the DNA testing division of Biosynthesis, paternity testing is the driving market. We have recently produced individual DNA kits that can be purchased and used for non-legal use, however, for many paternity cases involving custody and immigration, legal proof is necessary. Paternity fraud is a pretty widespread epidemic afflicting many men and families worldwide. Legal testing is a little more costly but the prices are pretty uniform in the market as it stands. If you are concerned about paternity you may want to go ahead and make sure that you only have to spend the money once and take the actions necessary to acquire legal documentation.

The usefulness of DNA testing, however, does not stop there. Our kits are designed to give you a more affordable option to finding solutions for the occasional unconventional identity dilemma. Suspicions of infidelity can be confirmed or laid to rest with this type of testing. We provide affordable DNA kits designed so our consumers can achieve peace of mind. Other bizarre situations regarding the discovery of identity spring to mind when I try and imagine why someone might need a DNA test. Although it may open a new can of worms on the topic of privacy, remember these tests can be done in secret so you can be your own detective. A genetic profile can be generated from all types of human fluid or tissue (and even animal in some labs). If there is enough of a cell contained within a spot of blood, suspicious stain, smudge of lipstick, drop of saliva, or follicle of hair, there is a good chance we can find out whether it belongs to you or to someone else.

And this is only the beginning. The development of gene technology suggests uses from DNA that seem unimaginable. The more we know about genes, the more we know about their direct relation to the stories of our lives. As gene technology advances it will tell us whether or not someone may be prone to certain diseases, or addiction, or even if they will be good at playing a particular sport. Gene company, Atlas Sports Genetics, has targeted parents as consumers by offering a test devoted to the discovery of one certain gene in a child’s genetic profile that indicates if a child will be better suited for certain types of athleticism. Parents want to know and are willing to pay to find out if they should even bother to get their kids involved in sports. The field is constantly developing and the discovery of the secrets hidden in our genetic code opens the future up to a world of possibilities.

DNA Testing Confirms Identity of Missing Woman

2010-11-30T15:42:00.001-08:00

The immigration issue in the United States is a politically hot topic but, no matter what side of the fence you sit, no one can deny that we have some problems. In August of this year, the necessity of DNA testing of a human corpse brought our attention to the dangers of human smuggling. As in this case, many immigrants do not survive the journey, becoming victims of harsh conditions or crooked coyotes. Bio-Synthesis DNA Identity Testing Center in Lewisville, TX enabled a family to find closure after the disappearance of their loved one who was making her way to the United States.

A body was found on August 5 in the desert of McAllen, TX, and the evidence indicated the likelihood of it being the remains of Honduran native Caridad Ramirez whose sister reported her missing to police officials and immigration offices in July. Ramirez had left home two months prior with a coyote, a human smuggler hired to help undocumented Ramirez in crossing the border. Her children and their father had moved to Texas two weeks earlier, but since the father and Ramirez were unmarried she had no legal way of entering the country. When she arrived in McAllen, TX, Ramirez contacted her sister Esperanza to let her know that she had made it safely. Esperanza probably did not imagine that it would be the last time she spoke to her sister.

The clothing, location, list of phone numbers nearby, the age and height of the body that was discovered made it appear highly likely that this was indeed Caridad Ramirez, but likelihood does not assure certainty. In a state of denial, a person might make any effort to evade the truth. Doubt can have a profound effect on people and without certainty the family would continue to deal with the psychological torture of thinking that she may still be out there somewhere. DNA testing makes it possible to be sure. Results from the body compared to that of Ramirez’ children confirmed what the other evidence suggested. Though the truth may have been the last thing they wanted to hear, the knowledge that their loved one is at rest will have hopefully provided some comfort to the family as they struggle to move on.

Prince of DNA Genome: Ozzy Osbourne

2010-11-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

I just came across an interesting article centered around the “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne. His um… prolific… amount of alcohol and drug use is well documented. This Black Sabbath icon, whose hardcore partying… the rock’n’roll brand of partying mind you, not the “woohoo Happy Birthday” brand... could and did put all the frat parties across America to shame in a single night, over and over again. As Ozzy himself put it, “Given the swimming pools of booze I've guzzled over the years—not to mention all of the cocaine, morphine, sleeping pills, cough syrup, LSD, Rohypnol…you name it—there's really no plausible medical reason why I should still be alive.” In hopes of finding an answer or clues to an answer, he decided to have his genome mapped, one of the few people who’ve done so thus far.

What Knome, Inc. was able to find is remarkable. Along with possible Neanderthal ancestry, they found “novel variants [of] genes associated with addiction and metabolism.” For instance, they found a variant near a regulation gene for the gene that makes alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol, providing a possible clue why his body survived the immense amount of alcohol he ingested. It is also suspected that some clues found may explain his proclivity for addiction to drugs.

These findings are particularly interesting to me as I’ve had a little experience with DNA sequencing and analysis and as there could be a possibility that DNA sequencing becomes added to our long line of DNA Testing Services. To be able to say that I could test to verify relationships and then also identify different genetic disease markers for example would be awesome. The ability to make genome analysis services widely available is surely visible on the horizon now.

DNA Sweeps, More Like a Rake

2010-10-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

In London, detectives have recently put up a monetary reward for critical information in the pursuit and conviction of a serial rapist. A woman, Michelle Samaraweera, was raped and killed in a playground in London, and despite obtaining DNA evidence from the victim and clear security video footage of a man stalking the victim through a gas station, the suspect is still at large. They have even tried a costly, time-consuming, and extremely expansive DNA sweep across London in order to find a match for the DNA evidence recovered, resulting in four arrests, four releases and zero convictions.

A DNA sweep across even a few neighborhoods of London, the 18th most populated city in the world, would prove to be a daunting task for law-enforcement officers and DNA analysts alike. Imagine this:

If the males in a neighborhood containing approximately an eighth of the total population of London (assuming that males comprise approximately half of the population) were DNA tested in the sweep using the lowest price for producing a DNA profile, then the government or police task force investigating would have to come up with $120,703,125.

If the neighborhood only contained one thirty-secondth of the total population, the same math would still lead to a total of $30,175,781.25 for the DNA sweep. For further reference, New York City is the 4th most populated city; Los Angeles, the 12th; Houston, the 49th; and Dallas, the 64th.

Though the investigating parties may not actually have to come up with all of this money as law-enforcement is sure to have contracts with DNA identification labs like ours, these investigations are also subject to an enormous number of factors including rate of participation, investigative clues/judgment, and even luck. Obtaining and analyzing the DNA samples is the easy part. It’s done here each and every day, no problem. However, deciding from where, when and how to go about a DNA sweep for as notorious a suspect as the one in the article is the most difficult part. Therefore, many DNA sweeps such as this one are largely unsuccessful because so many different factors are involved.

Now, some people may suggest mandatory DNA sweeps (as opposed to voluntary) or a DNA profile database. But performing a mandatory DNA sweep or building a database of DNA profiles in order to more quickly resolve criminal investigations presents a whole different set of arguments and issues…