In a single episode of CSI, the featured crimes are solved to everybody's satisfaction and all loose ends are nearly tied. Those of us with forensic knowledge will probably think 'Yeah, right', but are willing to suspend our disbelief. It is entertainment, after all.
Now, however, solving a crime in an hour may not be so far-fetched after all.
Image courtesy of www.all-about-forensic-science.com
Engineers at the University of Washington, in collaboration with a company called NanoFacture, have created a device that can extract DNA from body fluids in a matter of minutes.
DNA extraction is a complex process, which can take 20 - 30 minutes to complete. It also requires toxic chemicals, so it is not environmentally friendly.
This new extraction technique uses microscopic probes. First of all, the probes are dipped in the body fluid. Then an electric field is applied within the fluid. This causes the DNA molecules to stick to the probes.
The DNA molecules therefore become trapped on the probe surface.
The DNA molecules therefore become trapped on the probe surface.
This whole process from body fluid to pure DNA takes only 2-3 minutes.
Once the DNA has been extracted, a profile can be generated in the usual way.
Here is a link to an article which describes the technique in more detail.
Although the article is slanted more towards medical application of the technique, its potential value in forensic investigations is acknowledged.
Here is a (very) short video showing the equipment in use.
Given that many forensic laboratories have huge DNA analysis backlogs, the time savings on the extraction process could make a considerable difference to throughput.
From a crime writer's point of view, this technique offers another way to inject realism into your plotting, but without the need to compromise on reality (unless you want to, of course).
Which forensics techniques do you use in your writing? Why not let me know in the comments section below; don't forget to include a link to your book or story.
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