History

Often referred to as the building blocks of life, DNA was discovered in the mid 1800s. Since then, DNA testing has become invaluable in society, and has been used in all sorts of proceedings and environments. The structure of DNA was further unraveled in the mid 1900s, making an even clearer pathway for the development of genetic science and molecular biology as we know it today.

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and this material is found in the cells of the body. The DNA of each person is inherited from both parents, and it is the DNA that determines things like hair color, eye color, skin color etc.

Most often, DNA testing is associated with forensics. This procedure has been used not only to prove people guilty of crime but also to prove the innocence of those previously falsely imprisoned for a crime they did not commit. However, DNA testing is used in many other ways as well as in the course of criminal investigations. For example, DNA testing is used to identify bones and bodies after war or following a murder or suspicious death. In the past it was difficult to identify 'John Doe' bodies, other than through dental records. However, DNS testing now makes it possible to quickly identify an unknown body.

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