We test 16 genetic markers in a standard paternity test. If needed, our laboratory can test 8 more to generate more conclusive results. So what is a genetic marker, and why is it important? A genetic marker is a segment of DNA with a known physical location on a chomosome. DNA technicials can follow the inheritance of these genetic markers. A genetic marker can be a gene, or it can be a piece of DNA with no known function.
DNA sections that lie near each other on a chromosome tend to be inherited together. Therefore, markers can be used as a way of tracking the inheritance pattern of a gene that has not been identified, but location is known.
Genetic markers are used for different things, but the primary uses are for identity and genetic knowledge. Markers show us what makes us the same and what makes us different. Siblings share many alleles, which are located at genetic markers. So does a mother and her children. The 16 genetic markers used in our paternity test will determine conclusively if a man is the father of a child. The more markers tested, the more conclusive the results.
Markers can also be used to study inherited diseases. This is done by studying how genetic markers relate to specific diseases. Genetic testing for diseases is relatively new, and companies are making breakthroughs regularly. Expect more of this in coming years. Hopefully, it will lead to treatments and cures.
Migratory fraud has become a serious problem within U.S. family-based immigration. Citizens of the United States petition relatives in foreign countries, so they can gain residence in the States. This fraud has been found more often in some countries than others, and the Dominican Republic is one of the countries where it has been prominent. Starting in 2002, the U.S. Government has begun requesting DNA testing on families petitioning relatives in the D.R.
I am writing this entry from Santo Domingo, and I can attest to the beauty of The Dominican Republic. It is an understatement to say the weather is pleasent. Last Friday, I visited the U.S. Consulate where families go to file petitions and report for interviews regarding their visas. As I looked on, I saw Dominican citizens exiting the Consulate looking down at a piece of paper with a confused look on their faces. These families had been told they needed DNA testing to prove they were related to their relatives in the U.S. Here’s a bit on how that works.
There are 42 laboratories that are authorized by the AABB to complete the required testing. Citizens receive a list of AABB accredited laboratories and are told they can choose any one they want. At the top of the list is a laboratory in Santo Domingo, Patria Rivas. One would think that this is the best option for Dominican residents, having an accredited lab in their back yard. It might not be the case.
Laboratories are required to schedule DNA collections for the family member in the D.R. as well as the family member in the United States. Obviously, U.S. citizens live throughout the country, so the DNA lab needs to have a wide network of collection facilities to schedule testing. Patria Rivas has only one location in the U.S.
Citizens of the D.R. – You have options. Go through the list and ask your friends and family if they have used any of the laboratories. Many have collection facilities throughout the U.S. and can make the process very convenient for everyone involved. Choose an immigration DNA testing lab that makes the process easy. Don’t settle with a laboratory that doesn’t care about your needs simply because they are located in your home town. And a beautiful home town it is!
Former Jackson, Mississippi police officer Steve Fasano was convicted of bank robbery, and sentenced to 46 months in prison. The prosecution showed evidence of his fingerprints on the note written by the robber. That seems to be the most incriminating evidence. A Mississippi newspaper written on April 20 goes on to say that Fasano passed a lie detector and has an alibi for why his prints were on the note. Other evidence gathered at the crime included a hard hat, t-shirt, and sunglasses worn by the crook during the robbery. This is where the story gets good.
When asked to perform DNA testing on the evidence, the prosecution said the evidence had been lost. Very convenient. A year after the trial the evidence was found, so now an appeals court will hear arguements to bring DNA testing into evidence.
In a case like Fasano's, where evidence samples will more than likely contain the DNA of the perpetrator, DNA testing should be mandatory. Modern DNA laboratories have the amazing ability to identify an individual by using forensic DNA extraction techniques.
For more information about this case check out Truth in Justice. The hearings to bring in DNA evidence are taking place in July.
News broke recently that convicted murderer, Tommy Arthur, was granted DNA testing on evidence in his 1982 capital murder trials. Times Daily reported that state crime labs will test a wig allegedly worn by Arthur at the time of the murder. The defense alleges that DNA evidence will show DNA from Bobby Ray Gilbert, who admitted to the murder just three days before Arthur was scheduled to be put to death.
Arther has been convicted of the murder three times. The case was thrown out twice on technicalities. Tommy Arthur was convicted by three separate juries with no use of DNA evidence (DNA evidence was not available in 1982).
DNA testing helps solve hundreds of crimes in today's society. It may help in this case as well. Here are the top two reasons why DNA testing may be difficult in this case:
1) Chain of Custody – This murder was committed in 1982. It’s safe to say that dozens of parties have touched, handled, transported, and been around the evidence in question. Unless every person who came in contact with the evidence was recorded, the chain of custody is broken. Someone may have tampered with the evidence.
2) What will DNA Prove? – The wig in question was probably worn by many individuals. Therefore, there will be a mixed DNA profile. Not finding Arthur’s DNA on the wig does not acquit him of murder. But finding Bobby Ray Gilbert's DNA does corroborate his confession.
This testing could lead to a fourth trial.
Forensic DNA Testing oftentimes provides conclusive evidence of the perpetrator of a crime. This case could go either way. In any case, Tommy Arthur is doing evertything he can to prove three juries wrong.
This is the first entry of Boston Paternity's new DNA testing blog. I am Ryan, the director of Boston Paternity. I have been working at Boston Paternity since 2006, and I communicate often with the laboratory staff and case managers. Starting this blog seemed like an easy way to answer FAQ's, talk about DNA testing news, and connect with clients to see what they have on their minds. It's also a way to educate people on the processes and new uses of DNA testing. The ultimate goal for the blog is to provide lots of informational content about DNA testing.
The plan is to add posts to the blog at least three times each week, but I am hoping to do more. If you have something that you would like me to write about, please do not hesitate to email me or call me at our toll free number. Thanks for taking the time to check out our blog. Happy reading!
