How DNA Profiling Is Used Today

DNA profiling is a process that takes known DNA samples and compares it to other sources where the DNA might be found.

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The actual profile is compiled from different unique spots of the DNA strand and is given a numeric value. The end result is often compared to a bar code. Much of DNA contains the same information that makes us human but there are also areas that are unique to every individual. The unique parts are where we get the profile.

A DNA profile is commonly used during criminal investigations. Crime scenes are scoured for the smallest amounts of biological evidence which commonly contains DNA. This DNA can be profiled and is then run through a database or multiple databases to see if it matches anyone. Many times it doesn't as not everyone's DNA is on some database yet. The investigators will then round up all their suspects and witnesses and get DNA from them to compare as well. This process is usually voluntary but in some cases they might need to acquire a search warrant.

As more and more people's DNA gets entered into combined databases, the likely hood of solving past crimes and convicting repeat offenders goes up. A crime that was committed decades ago could be solved when someone's DNA gets entered into a database and just happens to be the same as some evidence collected back then. Unknown DNA also gets entered into the databases after it is profiled. This helps to one day put a name to these unknown samples.

DNA profiles are used in many criminal cases but are also a great source of medical information. If all the DNA is profiled highlighting certain areas that might be mutated or be responsible for a certain disease, it becomes much easier to find out who is at risk to inherit these diseases and possibly get very early treatment and lead a full and normal life. Research is being done with Alzheimer's disease using DNA profiles as some scientists believe there is a genetic predisposition involved. By finding this early, people can take very gradual steps throughout their life to increase their memory capacity and possible head this off before it becomes a problem.

DNA profiling is also a topic of great debate. Some people believe it violates privacy laws that have been in place for centuries and fight to make sure it remains private and do not want their profile to ever be sold. Unfortunately, many companies make money by selling various databases and a DNA profile database gets them a high return. There are many court battles raging right now pertaining to the sale of such private information and they will continue for years. The benefits of having DNA profiles are greater than the negative impacts however. Many people who have been wrongly imprisoned have been released due to reexamining their cases using DNA technology that wasn't available when they were convicted.