DNAPrint genomics' Forensics Technology Featured in Presentation to Florida Sex Crimes Investigators Association
July 18 2005 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
DNAPrint genomics' Forensics Technology Featured in Presentation to
Florida Sex Crimes Investigators Association SARASOTA, Fla., July
18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTC:DNAG)
(BULLETIN BOARD: DNAG) today announced that the Company's
DNAWitness(TM) forensics technology was featured during a
presentation at the annual conference of the Florida Sex Crimes
Investigators Association annual conference in Orlando. Dr. Matthew
Thomas, Ph.D., a scientist at DNAPrint genomics, provided the
conference an overview on Thursday, July 14, of how DNAWitness
technology can be applied to modern criminal investigations,
including investigation of sex crimes. "DNAWitness is a valuable
forensics tool for analyzing DNA recovered at a crime scene because
it narrows the search for persons of interest, reducing cost and
time in making a potential apprehension," Dr. Thomas said.
"DNAWitness is the only testing method available with predictive
capability that can identify the percentage of a person's genetic
makeup among four possible groups -- Sub-Saharan African, Native
American, East Asian and Indo- European. We also have introduced a
further expansion of these four genetic groups to include Northern
European, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian. In
addition, recent upgrades in our technology enable DNAPrint
genomics to deal with high-volume cases at less cost." Dr. Thomas
noted that another tool in DNAPrint's forensics arsenal is
RETINOME(TM), a new genetic test that infers eye (iris) color from
DNA. "These are cutting-edge technologies that enable police to
identify persons of interest more quickly," he said. "Law
enforcement agencies worldwide have utilized DNAWitness to
investigate more than 100 crimes and to identify the bodies of
missing persons." Statistical data on sexual assaults in the U.S.
vary, depending on how they are categorized. Authorities estimate
there are anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 or more incidents of
rape per year, with one in three going unreported. "Serial or
aggravated rape in many instances eventually leads to a murder, so
catching these perpetrators early, potentially could be a
lifesaver," Dr. Thomas said. "We are pleased that Florida is taking
the lead in highlighting the use of DNAWitness in criminal
investigations while the rest of the forensics community, for the
most part, is still being supported by research dollars to develop
technologies that are four to five years out," said DNAPrint
President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel. "Our
technology works, and it is available now." The Florida Sex Crimes
Investigators Association was incorporated as a non-profit
organization in April 1992 by a small, dedicated group of law
enforcement investigators committed to providing low-cost,
high-quality training opportunities for its members, and a means of
networking and intelligence and information exchange. Today, there
are more than 300 members. The website http://www.fscia.org/
contains information of interest to investigators and prosecutors
of sex crimes and child abuse, as well as those who provide
services for victims of such crimes. It may be used also as a
resource for the general public who may have questions related to
the subject matter. About DNAPrint genomics, Inc. DNAPrint
genomics, Inc. ( http://www.dnaprint.com/ ) is a developer of
genomics-based products and services focused on drug development,
pharmacogenomic diagnostic tests, forensics technology and consumer
genetic tests. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this
press release that are not historical are forward- looking
statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected, including, but not limited to, uncertainties relating to
technologies, product development, manufacturing, market
acceptance, cost and pricing of DNAPrint's products, dependence on
collaborations and partners, regulatory approvals, competition,
intellectual property of others, and patent protection and
litigation. DNAPrint genomics, Inc. expressly disclaims any
obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or
revisions to any forward- looking statements contained herein to
reflect any change in DNAPrint's expectations with regard thereto
or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any
such statements are based. Company Contact: Richard Gabriel CEO and
President 941 366-3400 -or- Ron Stabiner The Wall Street Group,
Inc. 212-888-4848 DATASOURCE: DNAPrint genomics CONTACT: Richard
Gabriel, CEO and President, DNAPrint genomics, +1-941-366-3400; or
Ron Stabiner, The Wall Street Group, Inc., +1-212-888-4848, for
DNAPrint genomics Web site: http://www.dnaprint.com/
http://www.fscia.org/
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