Mitotyping in the news

In 2005, Japanese officials announced that DNA tests on cremated remains returned by North Korea—purportedly those of abductee Megumi Yokota—did not match her DNA. However, the scientist who conducted the tests later admitted they were inconclusive due to potential…

In 2004, DNA testing in Kevin Cooper’s case revealed that hairs found on the victims likely belonged to them, not an alternate suspect, undermining his innocence claim. Conducted by Dr. Terry Melton, an expert recommended by Cooper’s defense, the tests were…

The “CSI effect” refers to the influence of forensic crime television shows on jurors’ expectations for scientific evidence in trials. According to a 2004 article, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges have observed that jurors increasingly demand…