...There are many things that people own. Whether it be clothes, money, or phones most people don't think about their DNA.”DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code with the exception of identical twins.” The government can have access to anyone's DNA that is in their database. When they have a sample of the DNA they could find out information such as which disease you might have. Many people think that this is a invasion of their privacy. Pros: There are a couple of ways that the DNA database could be helpful in our society. One way that it is useful are in criminal cases. Traces of DNA left in crime scenes can sometimes be found and if a match is seen in the database, then the culprit’s identity...
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...DNA databases are a compilation of DNA profiles obtained by geneticist (The Human Genome Project), medical facilities, and multiple government agencies to map and utilize the information for research and identification purposes. Most notably, the use of DNA databases are widely used within the criminal justice system to 'catch' criminals as well as exonerate the innocent. In contrast, The Human Genome Project uses the information in the database to map and understand the genes of human beings ( The human). Although the information is used in different ways, still the issue of ethics remains. Many argue that DNA is highly personal and has no place in 'databases" that are accessible to other individuals or government agencies. Some argue that these databases are no different than obtaining a fingerprint, but is 'right' because of the helpful information it brings to crime solving....
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...First DNA Death Row Exoneration Kirk Bloodsworth Kirk Bloodworth, a former marine was exonerated by DNA in 1993 of the rape and murder of nine-year-old Dawn Hamilton – a crime were he was sentenced to death in Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1985. Bloodworth’s conviction was reversed in 1986, he occupied a cell above Kimberly Shay Ruffner, who was serving a sentence for a rape and who – a decade after Bloodworth’s exoneration – would be linked by DNA to the rape of the Hamilton child. The testimony of Bloodworth was giving by five witnesses who placed him either with the victim or near the crime scene. The prosecution also introduced evidence of a pair of shoes on the victim’s body. The Maryland court overturned Bloodworth conviction in 1986 and he was retried and was found guilty again and was sentence to two life terms. In 1992, the Centurion Ministries of Princeton in New Jersey helped Bloodworth for testing biological material that was preserved from the crime. After the FBI confirmed the result of Bloodworth innocent, he then was released in June 28,1993. He was the first U.S. death row prisoner to be exonerated by DNA In 2003 a Baltimore County forensic biologist was studying the evidence and found stains on the bed sheet. Investigator ordered DNA testing and ran the national DNA database, which than linked Ruffner to the crime. Which he was in jail already for another rape. The state paid Bloodworth $ 300,000 for lost income which in my opinion is not enough. But...
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...The Human DNA Profiling Bill (hereinafter Bill) is a legislation proposed in India to create a National DNA database and profiling board to regulate DNA profile analysis for various forensic purposes. In 2007, this Bill was proposed and the drafting began in 2012. The Bill was expected to be introduced in the monsoon session of 2015 in the Parliament, but it was not done so. The Bill has opened up a debate regarding its merits and its scope for misuse. The Bill has also been criticized for not addressing the privacy concerns. In the present dispute, the Citizens Council for Civil Liberties has opposed the Bill on privacy concerns and misuse of the Bill and has questioned the constitutionality of the Bill in a writ petition filed for the same. I. ARGUMENTS: 1)...
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...DNA Fingerprinting DNA fingerprinting is a test to identify and evaluate the genetic information-called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-in a person's cells. It is called a "fingerprint" because it is very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same DNA information, in the same way that it is very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same physical fingerprint. The test is used to determine whether a family relationship exists between two people, to identify organisms causing a disease, and to solve crimes. Only a small sample of cells is needed for DNA fingerprinting. A drop ofblood or the root of a hair contains enough DNA for testing. Semen, hair, or skin scrapings are often used in criminal investigations . A person who has DNA fingerprinting done voluntarily usually provides a sample of blood taken from a vein. DNA testing also can be done on cells obtained by a simple mouthwash or a swab of the cheeks inside themouth, but these methods are not recommended. Why It Is Done DNA fingerprinting is done to: * Find out who a person's parents or siblings are. This test also may be used to identify the parents of babies who were switched at birth. * Solve crimes (forensic science). Blood, semen, skin, or other tissue left at the scene of a crime can be analyzed to help prove whether the suspect was or was not present at the crime scene. * Identify a body. This is useful if the body is badly decomposed or if only body parts are available, such...
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...ABSTRACT The dignity of women seems to be tarnished nowadays although the nation is experiencing the economic, productivity growth every year. The mentality of the people in Malaysia is still in doubt when the number of infanticide is still increasing every year. Infanticide is considered as a murder case since it involves an innocent life that easily had been eliminated without mercy. There are no excuses for these irresponsible parents to escape this action as they must be heavily punished. In fact, not only law yet every religion prohibit this kind of conduct, but still infanticide seems as just another crime in this globalization era. This paper aims to discuss about the law enforcement in reducing the number of infanticide in Malaysia. This paper analyses the provision of Section 318 of the Penal Code whether this Act is sufficient to punish the wrongdoer and any other solutions towards this cases. Besides, the role of Malaysia government in the enforcement of law and also how the authorities acts towards solving the cases of infanticide in Malaysia. Hence, the paper also analyses about the effects of law to the wrongdoers and given suggestions for further impacts, including Islamic viewpoints. 1. INTRODUCTION Infanticide can be defined as when any women by any willful act or omission causes the death of her newly-born child, but at the time of the act or omission she had not fully recovered from the effect of giving birth to such child, and by reason...
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...Welcome to Homicide Forensic Science is a fundamental component of the justice system. Forensic scientists use scientific techniques and knowledge to assist law enforcement in investigations and solving crimes. They collect and analyze numerous types of evidence, including blood, body fluids; DNA; and human tissue. Forensic scientists assist the decision makers by showing the prosecutor if the issue has merit before it reaches the courtroom thereby reducing the number of cases having to be heard. Their decisions are based on scientific investigations and not circumstantial evidence or unreliable witnesses. Forensic scientists can restore faith in the judicial system with the use of science and technology for facts in criminal and civil investigations. The legal system is established on the belief that the legal process results in justice for all. History of forensic science The history of Forensic science or the applying of scientific principles to legal questions has a lengthy and interesting history. The first recorded autopsy was reported in 44 B.C was on Julius Caesar, where the Roman physician, Antistius proclaimed that he had 23 wounds on his body but only one was fatal. In 1248, a Chinese book entitled “His Duan Yu” (meaning The Washing Away of Wrongs) explaining how to tell apart a drowning from a strangulation. This was also the first recorded use of medicine to assist in solving crimes. In 1590, the first microscope was developed. In 1775, Karl...
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...In the last decade, DNA analysis has become a mainstay of the criminal justice system the gold standard for identification (Liptak). The role of deliberation in the integration of technology and society examines where we, as a society, have reached a consensus or should on the use of DNA in the justice system, and also points to the unsettled areas of debate in which there remains room for reasonable disagreement. DNA technology has been rapidly and fairly easily integrated into the courtroom; its integration into the pre and post-trial areas has been slower and more complex. Nevertheless, some broad areas of agreement exist, or should exist, in these areas, including: that some level of post-conviction relief is warranted; and that some forms of DNA databases are effective and appropriate investigatory tools. Areas of Consensus There are two broad areas of consensus. First, that DNA changes the meaning of time in the justice system. From this principle follows a number of measures to take in consideration: that evidence must be preserved; that there should be statutory criteria for post-conviction access and review of evidence; and those statutes of limitation should be increased or abolished. The second area of consensus is that DNA databases in some form, at least are legitimate and effective investigatory tools. Time has been deeply programmed into justice both pre conviction, with respect to statutes of limitation, and post-conviction, in limitations on bringing...
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...Forensic Science Introduction Within this paper the author will explain what DNA is, describe how it used and discuss the ethical issues surrounding the idea of having a national database. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the hereditary material in all humans and almost all other living organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA however no two people have the same DNA make-up. Most DNA can be found in a cell nucleus. (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/dna) DNA was first discovered in 1892 but wasn’t used in criminal investigations until a murder inquiry of two young girls between 1983 and 1986 which Professor Alec Jeffreys used DNA profiling to convict suspect Colin Pitchfork in 1988. Only one-tenth of a single percent of DNA differs from one person to the next. Scientists or forensic profilers can use this to generate a DNA profile of an individual using samples from blood, bone (marrow), hair, semen and other body fluids and tissues. Main Body In 1984 a very popular figure of the party Greenpeace Hilda Murrell was murdered in Shrewsbury. She had been stabbed, sexually abused and kidnapped before being left to die in a Shropshire wood of hypothermia along with her other injuries. She was due to give evidence at a public inquiry about a proposed nuclear reactor. Also her nephew played a crucial part in the sinking of the Belgrano during the Falklands war. This prompted a rash of conspiracy theories pointing the finger at British...
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...hidden in the large amount of data come up a clear picture of the basic biology of organisms. There are several fields that have been revolutionized by the technology used in bioinformatics (Ouzounis & Christos, 2012). These fields include human health, the environment, agriculture, energy and biotechnology. This science of bioinformatics is also called computational biology and has found a lot of use in increasing the quality of life. Bioinformatics developed due to the great need to internalize the DNA which is the code of life. Growth in the field of bioinformatics has been facilitated by development of many DNA sequencing projects. The basic biology of life is controlled by the basic molecule of life called DNA. The DNA acts as the blue print for genes which code for proteins. The proteins coded for by these genes determine the biological composition of all the living organisms. The variation and errors that occur in the replication, transcription and translation of genomic DNA determines whether one develops a certain disease or resistance to the same disease (Vivian, Lópe, Luis, María ,Moreno, & Corchado, 2012). Bioinformatics is currently in use and more uses are expected in future...
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...many technological advances exist to assist law enforcement officials in identifying a criminal suspect. The technological advances that continue to assist the criminal justice system in these identifications are Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis, biometric identification, Intra-agency databases for DNA, fingerprinting and palm printing, and camera and wiretap surveillance. Each aspect serves a specific purpose in making certain that the right person is properly identified for the crimes that they commit. Each technological aspect makes certain that the criminal justice system can prove without a doubt that the person under arrest is the person responsible for committing the crime. Criminal Identification Procedures Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis is an examination method that allows any organism to be identified, by its genetic sequences. DNA analysis is highly accurate, important, and used all across the world for important reasons. The main purpose for DNA analysis is identifying individuals who are suspects in criminal cases, identifying victims or their remains when other means of identity is not possible. The advantages of DNA analysis are reliable, accurate results, and helps solving old and new cases. The disadvantage of DNA analysis is it reveals information on physical state, this information is sensitive and must be guarded. Biometric Identification is a system based around the main physical characteristics of the human body such as finger print identification...
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...of a crime have their DNA fingerprints stored on a database? A DNA fingerprint is the same for every cell, organ and tissue in an organism. DNA fingerprinting has many uses, some of which include providing the evidence needed to solve criminal investigations, determining genetic relationships and solving paternity disputes. DNA fingerprinting has many benefits in the use of criminal investigations as it can provide the evidence to solve crimes and current mysteries, can free innocent suspects and can also cut out a great deal of investigation time. However, there are also many negative issues involved in the matter, such as privacy concerns, which may lead to discrimination and the mishandling or misinterpretation of the DNA evidence. Currently, there is a database where the DNA from samples collected at crime scenes is sored, although many believe that all people convicted of a crime should have their fingerprint stored on there. This raises the question “should all people convicted of a crime have their DNA fingerprints stored on a database?” As everybody’s DNA is unique, DNA fingerprinting is rapidly becoming the main source for identifying and distinguishing amongst individuals. The structure of DNA is a double helix shape made up of a phosphate sugar backbone, which consists of a sequence of complimentary bases held together by weak hydrogen bonds. A DNA fingerprint is manufactured by first extracting the DNA from the cells and multiplying the DNA by performing the polymerase...
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...population of an elliptical at the Dixon Recreation Center by analysis of DNA from an uncultured community sample. 16S rRNA genes will distinguish bacteria and represent the microbial diversity of the sampled elliptical. An estimate of the cleanliness of the elliptical will be made based on species-abundance as well as evidence of any pathogenic strains. We will also compare and contrast respective populations of bacteria on clean and disinfected ellipticals to assess disinfectant effectiveness. Methods We collected bacteria from the elliptical, purified and amplified the total community DNA, and then analyzed the sequenced DNA with Mi Seq Software. A revised protocol was used to extract, purify, and sequence the community DNA; these methods were followed without deviation (1). The procedure to sequence and configure the data is described on Blackboard (2). Results PCR amplification of the community DNA product was unsuccessful. There was no evidence of PCR amplified DNA on the gel (Figure 1.1). An alternate gel from Molecular Microbiology Laboratory was used as a model to perform gel electrophoresis of the community DNA (2). A plot of migration distance vs. size that includes the Invitrogen ladder can be used to determine the size of the PCR amplified community DNA (Figure 1.2). [Figure 1.2] Base Pairs vs. Migration Distance of Invitrogen Low DNA Mass Ladder. The distance these standardized fragments is associated...
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...STAGE 2 BIOLOGY ASSESSMENT TYPE 1: Investigations Folio Issues Investigation Human Awareness Essay – Source Analysis Should all babies be DNA fingerprinted at birth? Article to be evaluated: Website: Genetics and Public Issues – ELSI (Ethical, Legal and Social Issues) – http://darwin.nmsu.edu/ Reliability: This source is a reliable one as it was developed by Dr. Clay Dillingham and Dr. Susan Root. They are professionals, educated in the technique and knowledgeable about the subject with years of experience as scientists in the field. Therefore it is expected to have some reliability. Bias: This article presents both the advantages and disadvantages of the topic of storing everyone’s DNA sequences and is not biased in either direction. It gives the scientific facts and procedures of DNA fingerprinting and continues to give the good effects and also the issues it would cause in the public. It explains how DNA fingerprinting would benefit us, referring to the solving of criminal offenses, detection of possible future diseases of the subject, clues about possible behavioral traits, and other medical information. This is the positive side. The article also discusses the negative side and questions the accessibility of the DNA fingerprints and the information they hold. The effects on the public if the information was misused are discussed including the impact on individuals in relation to seeking insurance policies...
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...Nucleic Acids Research, 2011, Vol. 39, Database issue doi:10.1093/nar/gkq1172 Published online 20 November 2010 Database resources of the National Center for Biotechnology Information Eric W. Sayers1,*, Tanya Barrett1, Dennis A. Benson1, Evan Bolton1, Stephen H. Bryant1, Kathi Canese1, Vyacheslav Chetvernin1, Deanna M. Church1, Michael DiCuccio1, Scott Federhen1, Michael Feolo1, Ian M. Fingerman1, Lewis Y. Geer1, Wolfgang Helmberg2, Yuri Kapustin1, David Landsman1, David J. Lipman1, Zhiyong Lu1, Thomas L. Madden1, Tom Madej1, Donna R. Maglott1, Aron Marchler-Bauer1, Vadim Miller1, Ilene Mizrachi1, James Ostell1, Anna Panchenko1, Lon Phan1, Kim D. Pruitt1, Gregory D. Schuler1, Edwin Sequeira1, Stephen T. Sherry1, Martin Shumway1, Karl Sirotkin1, Douglas Slotta1, Alexandre Souvorov1, Grigory Starchenko1, Tatiana A. Tatusova1, Lukas Wagner1, Yanli Wang1, W. John Wilbur1, Eugene Yaschenko1 and Jian Ye1 1 Downloaded from http://nar.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on March 20, 2015 National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Building 38A, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA and 2University Clinic of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 3, A-8036 Graz, Austria Received September 16, 2010; Revised October 29, 2010; Accepted November 1, 2010 ABSTRACT In addition to maintaining the GenBank nucleic acid sequence database, the National Center for Biotechnology...
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