Nowadays we see a lot of movies and real life cases being solved on basis of forensic science specifically the gentic tests, using minute samples from the crime sites. There are dedicated departments, labs, investigation teams specifically for performing genetic tests and analysing results.
The first genetic test- DNA profiling was made possible by work of Dr Alec Jeffrey in 1984 before which forensics was confined to less accurate methods like protein profiling, fingerprinting, blood typing.
The first criminal apprehended using DNA testing was Pitchfork, in 1986-87, who assaulted and murdered two young girls and even tried to deceit by not giving his sample for DNA fingerprinting in massive hunt, but was found eventually. Since then DNA profiling has been extensively used in forensics and criminal case investigations. Although it has helped solve many difficult investigations but has raised many Ethical, Legal, Social Implications (ELSI), besides that, this revolutionary technique has helped solve many cold cases like- the Marion Crofts who was murdered in 1981 but the case was solved in 2001, thanks to DNA fingerprinting and national DNA database, this technique has helped in identifying many serial killers like Golden State Killer, Delroy Grant, Fred West, Mumbai serial killer, Chandigarh serial killer etc.
Now the AI has also joined, which helps in reducing analysis time to upto 72% due quick analysis and identification. A study by National Institute of Standards and Technology suggests that AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) attains 99% accuracy and can compare upto 1 lakh fingerprints under one second.
The technique started in 1984 as a medical breakthrough has found huge application in providing justice to many, solving criminal cases and has helped many innocent individuals in getting liberation, while it continues to evolve and support the investigational, forensic and judicial department.
Reference
McDonald, J., & Lehman, D. C. (2012). Forensic DNA analysis. Clinical laboratory science : journal of the American Society for Medical Technology, 25(2), 109–113.
Are you aware of any such medical breakthrough in medical field that has found immense application in other department?
MBH/AB