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Forensic Science

# Forensic genetics

## Overview

What is DNA evidence? And how is DNA used to solve crimes? DNA is a complex molecule that contains the instructions for building and maintaining the bodies of humans and other organisms. With the exception of red blood cells, every cell in your body has DNA. And with the exception of identical twins, everyone’s DNA is different. If someone leaves blood, semen or other biological material at a crime scene, scientists can use it as DNA evidence and create a DNA profile, or genetic fingerprint of that person. That profile can be used to search a DNA database for a possible suspect, to associate a suspect with evidence left at a crime scene, or to link two crimes that may have been committed by the same person. DNA profiles, and some of the complications in using them, are described in this article about enhanced DNA fingerprints.

### What we do

NIST has played a key role in the historical development of forensic DNA analysis. Today, our forensic DNA program has three major components.
                  - We conduct research to advance forensic DNA methods, including laying the groundwork for using  next generation DNA sequencing  for human identification.
                  - We conduct scientific foundation reviews in the forensic sciences, including for  DNA mixture interpretation .
                  - We develop and manufacture  physical reference standards  that DNA labs across the country and the world use to help ensure reliable results.

## Featured Content

Forensic Genetics

## The Research

## Projects & Programs

### Development of Rapid Multiplex PCR Techniques

### DNA Mixture Interpretation

http://www.cstl.nist.gov/biotech/strbase/mixture.htm

### Digital PCR

### DNA Profiling Standard Reference Materials

View All Projects/Programs

## Additional Resources Links

FORENSIC SCIENCE PROGRAM

Forensic Science Research Focus Areas

Publications

###   DNA Mixtures: A Forensic Science Explainer

What are DNA mixtures? And why are they sometimes so difficult to interpret?

Learn more.

## News

### Human DNA Standard: A Q&A With NIST’s Becky Steffen

Read more

### Forensic Science Organization to Draft Standards for Sexual Assault Examinations

Read more

### NIST Launches an Updated Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science

Read more

### Two New Forensic DNA Standards Added to the OSAC Registry

Read more

View All News and Updates

## Stay in Touch

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest research, trends, and news for Forensic genetics.

### HEADQUARTERS

301-975-2000

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