Abstract

CARRACEDO, A.; SALAS, A.  and  LAREU, M.V.. Problems and future challenges of forensic genetics in the XXI century. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.1-2, pp.31-35. ISSN 1988-611X.

Since the discovery of polymorphisms in repetitive DNA by Alec Jeffreys and coworkers in 1985 the type of biomarkers and technologies used in forensic genetics has experienced a continuous evolution. Microsatellites in autosomal chromosomes known as STRs and polymorphism in the sexual chromosome and mitochondrial DNA are the most commonly used but new markers are arising and SNPs together with the new sequencing technologies are open new possibilities and a range a new applications. Nevertheless the challenges in the field are not technological: the statistical evaluation of DNA testing, the communication of the weight of the evidence and the correct understanding of this value, educational and ethical issues or the future of R&D are problems that should be urgently faced.

Keywords : Forensic genetics; DNA; Expert witness testimony; Problems; Challenges.

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