DNA microarray technology

DNA microarray technology the future: Lalji Singh

The next generation DNA microarray facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has the potential for developing DNA chips that will be helpful in crime detection.

The next generation DNA microarray facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has the potential for developing DNA chips. These, when developed, could be instrumental in establishing the identity of an individual at the entire genome level, said Lalji Singh, CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow 2009 and former director of the centre.

Explaining the significance of the development, he said the DNA chip would make the process of establishing a match between a biological sample found at a crime scene and the DNA of a suspect faster and simpler.

"This will be the ultimate technique based on the comparison at the total genome level. This is the future technology," he told police trainees and researchers at the Andhra Pradesh Police Academy (APPA) on Monday.

Dr. Singh was taking part in the inaugural of a three-day, national-level training-cum-workshop on 'DNA - The Decisive Evidence' organised at the APPA in association with Bioaxis DNA Research Centre, a city-based research organisation.

Legislation

The workshop is significant in view of the fact that the DNA bill is in the process of being enacted by Parliament this year. When implemented, the bill, which has a provision for post conviction testing of DNA, would be a boon for convicts/under-trials who were falsely convicted/accused for lack of proper evidence.