(no subject)

[theweaselking]

Israeli scientist demonstrates how to produce fake DNA evidence.

Of course, the same guy is running a company that sells kits to tell real DNA samples from fake DNA samples, but the idea is neat.

Comments

[gothpanda.livejournal.com]

oh shiiiiiiit.

[hypatiasghost.livejournal.com]

This doesn't quite make sense to me:

Nucleix’s test to tell if a sample has been fabricated relies on the fact that amplified DNA — which would be used in either deception — is not methylated, meaning it lacks certain molecules that are attached to the DNA at specific points, usually to inactivate genes.

As I understand it, forensic genetics *often* has to amplify DNA samples in order to have enough to analyze.

Oh wait, after reading a little bit more, I do get it. You'd have to run their test *before* doing your PCR amplification and subsequent gel electrophoresis--you have to run it on the sample itself. That's great!

Of course, as soon as we figure out how methylation works and are able to reproduce it, this'll be out the window -- but I think if we figure out how methylation works, we'll have almost cured cancer and a number of other genetic diseases.

Thanks for providing that abstract! It is super cool!