ADVISORY/DNA Testing On Inmates Runs Into Opposition.Business Editors ADVISORY... --(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 22, 2000 TOPIC: According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. a report by The Associated Press Associated Press: see news agency. Associated Press (AP) Cooperative news agency, the oldest and largest in the U.S. and long the largest in the world. , DNA evidence Among the many new tools that science has provided for the analysis of forensic evidence is the powerful and controversial analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, the material that makes up the genetic code of most organisms. has been used in solving thousands of unresolved crimes as a result of authorities collecting the DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. of convicted criminals. The process has also freed prisoners from death row. But, despite these advantages of DNA testing DNA testing Analysis of DNA (the genetic component of cells) in order to determine changes in genes that may indicate a specific disorder. Mentioned in: Acoustic Neuroma, Retinoblastoma, Von Willebrand Disease on inmates, seven states allegedly rejected the process of DNA testing on inmates. According to the article, the process is running into opposition with the American Civil Liberties Union American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), nonpartisan organization devoted to the preservation and extension of the basic rights set forth in the U.S. Constitution. (ACLU ACLU: see American Civil Liberties Union. ). Allegedly, some ACLU members feel DNA testing can intrude upon an individual's privacy by revealing mental and physical health problems. EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story: Dr. Clague Hodgson, scientific director for Nature Technology Corporation, is involved in the development of gene vector systems, such as those used in gene therapy and biotechnology applications. He has more than 20 years' experience as a molecular biologist/biotechnologist. 402/472-6530 hodgson@natx.com Professor George Bennett, of Rice University, is an expert in health sciences and DNA methodology. 713/348-4920 713/348-0000 (University PR Phone) Ms. Laura Noonan, president of SIM/The Corrections Connection, can offer expert comment on issues involving corrections and criminal justice. 617/471-4445 laura@corrections.net ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue. ExpertSource, a collaboration of Business Wire and The Round Table Group, provides academic and industry experts to the media at no charge. Journalists are encouraged to submit queries to ExpertSource when seeking experts on specific subjects. An online registration form is available at http://www.businesswire.com/expertsource. Business Wire's Media Resource Center provides working journalists many free media services. Please visit the BW Media Resource Center at (www.businesswire.com/media) for more information. |
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