9781422273425

integrity. Some DNA profilers may be asked to report to the scene of a crime to collect evidence or assist in an investigation, but larger law enforcement agencies have a separation of duties. DNA specialists should be comfortable working in a laboratory and using complex scientific equipment to examine biological material. Biological material that contains DNA can include blood, saliva, and other body fluids. These fluids can include biohazards, including infectious diseases, so DNA analysts need to be comfortable with proper safety precautions. Sometimes DNA evidence can be found in feces, vomit, or mucus. In those cases, analysts try to analyze as small an amount as possible to get reliable results. Analysts also work with computers to prepare results. They will need to be familiar with DNA analysis and reporting software, and often they will need to be able to write reports. While many DNA reports are automated and simply need to be filled out with data, if analysts are called to testify in court, they need to understand evidence standards andmust be trained in how to answer questions truthfully, in a way that judges and juries can understand.

Over 200 medical treatments using gene therapy were being developed as of February 2020.

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Introduction: What Is DNA Profiling?

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