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DNA Fog Helps Identify Trespassers, Thieves, and Brigands

Zothecula writes "Applied DNA Sciences (ADNAS) has developed a new approach to solve crimes using DNA tagging. The difference is that instead of tagging the objects being stolen, the company's system tags the perpetrator with DNA. While this has been tried before by applying the DNA to a fleeing criminal with a gun, ADNAS has adopted a more subtle approach."

5 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Eww by Antipater · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Everything was going great, until the bank manager sprayed me in the face with his DNA!"

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    Everything is better with chainsaws.
  2. Re:"Brigands" by sideslash · · Score: 5, Funny

    Them brigands'll filch your victuals and abscond apace from your ken.

  3. Re:"Brigands" by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Funny

    I was thinking more "Why DNA instead of fluorescent dye?"

    For truly efficient brigand-tracking, you want a globally-unique taggant, rather than being limited to the few dozen-ish colors of fluorescent dye...

    Just imagine! Incentivize your riot cops during the next protest by mixing a unique DNA tag into each one's pepper spray and then analyzing the detainees. The more dirty hippies with your spray on 'em, the better your chance to win the department raffle!

  4. Re:Why not just use Skunk odors.... by icebike · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Ah, at last someone gets to the crux of the matter.

    You still have to find the perp via some other means.

    Then take DNA samples and process those. But wait, you also have to sequester every cop who visited the crime scene and not let them touch any evidence for weeks on end. And not just the evidence from one crime scene, but all the crime scenes using this technology. Once the cops set foot on the premises they too will be tagged. As well as their wives and co-workers that come in contact with their uniforms, objects they handled, and any perps they happen to apprehend.

    Your average burglary detective would spread the DNA from several recent robberies to every suspect they hauled in. Would do wonders for their arrest rates. *cough*.

    So the DNA taging system builds a web of uselessness around itself, which spreads wider daily, while at the same time provides not a single additional clue to help you catch the thief.

    And I don't believe that bit about being hard to wash off either. After all, if you can sample it by simply using a swab, how tightly can it be bound?

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    Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
  5. Re:Why stop there? by plover · · Score: 4, Funny

    A "Man Trap" is considered legal to have?

    I hope so. I married one.

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    John