DNA TESTING

May 23 2025ENVIRONMENT

Lynx Identification: The Science Behind Protecting Wild Cats

The Eurasian lynx is a species that needs protection. It is listed in CITES Appendix II and is covered by the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats Directive. Yet, it is still often targeted by wildlife criminals. This makes it crucial to have reliable methods for identifying these animals. One approach is using molecular tools, specifically quantitative real-time PCR ...

reading time about 1 minute
Jan 27 2025CRIME

Solving Dawn's Murder: Modern DNA Testing Leads to Arrest

It's been nearly 50 years since the body of Dawn Momohara, a 16-year-old student from McKinley High School in Honolulu, was found. The close-knit community was shaken by the tragic discovery. Dawn was partially clothed, with an orange cloth around her neck, and signs of sexual assault. The case remained unsolved for decades. Recently, modern DNA testing has led to a ...

reading time about 1 minute
Jan 11 2025CRIME

The Real-Life Mystery Behind Netflix’s Hit Show

Ever wondered about the true story behind Netflix’s crime series, The Breakthrough? It’s a gripping tale of a double murder that happened way back in 2004 in Linköping, Sweden. The victims were an 8-year-old boy named Mohammed Ammouri and a 56-year-old woman named Anna-Lena Svensson. The case went cold for 16 long years until a breakthrough in DNA testing finally poi...

reading time about 1 minute
Dec 12 2024POLITICS

Unlocking DNA: Arizona's Push for Quick Testing

Imagine being able to solve crimes faster than ever before. That's what Arizona is aiming for with its interest in expanding Rapid DNA testing. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has turned to legal experts for advice on how to make this technology more accessible. Right now, only certain states allow Rapid DNA testing, which can provide results in just a couple o...

reading time about 1 minute
Oct 18 2024CRIME

Mom Arrested for Newborn's Fate in Paper Bag 30 Years Ago

30 years after a newborn was found dead in a paper bag at a dumpsite, a mom from California has been arrested. Pamela Ferreyra, 60, was taken into custody after DNA tests confirmed she was the baby's mother. The infant, known as "Baby Garin," was discovered by a can collector in Monterey County back in 1994. Authorities found the baby on Garin Road, with "Garin" mean...

reading time less than a minute
Sep 23 2024CRIME

The Long-Hidden Past: A Family's Journey to Reunite

The story of Luis Armando Albino is a testament to the power of determination and family ties. In 1951, six-year-old Luis was kidnapped from an Oakland park, sparking a massive search effort that would stretch across decades. His family never gave up hope, and their relentless efforts finally paid off when Luis was found alive on the East Coast in 2024. Luis's niece...

reading time about 1 minute