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Cities and apartment complexes can also use DNA testing to identify dog waste and track down owners who aren’t picking up after their dogs. Services with names like “Poo Prints” can test dog feces and report a

match to registered pets in a specific area. Legal and Ethical Concerns

DNA samples can provide probable identification in crimes but never completely certain identification. DNA analysts are responsible for testifying accurately and explaining their results to juries and judges. They are also responsible for a high standard of ethics when testifying in court and preparing reports, since they are dealing with people’s unique identities and potential legal penalties. If DNA samples include genetic information frommore than one person, analysts need to use their experience and judgment to create a report and identify the people who may have contributed a sample. Work Environment DNA analysts work primarily in labs. If they are part of the justice system, they will analyze samples that are gathered by crime scene investigators or law enforcement officers. Analysts are responsible for ensuring a chain of custody over evidence and storing it in such a way that preserves its

Commercial Uses for DNA Profiling

DNA has become big business. Private DNA testing companies have developed innovative products that are used in law enforcement, in civil court cases, and to enforce regulations like picking up dog waste. Companies like Parabon NanoLabs have created commercial uses for DNA analysis, including DNA facial reconstruction, which has helped to identify unknown crime victims, missing persons, and cold-case criminals who may have thought they had gotten away with murder for years.

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DNA Profiling