DNA

D.N.A.'s Dark Side

Virginia Prescott — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:08:57 +0000

In February, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Maryland v. King -- concerning the warrantless collection of DNA from people arrested for, but not convicted of a crime; Maryland is one of 28 states that collect DNA upon arrest. The case against the state questions whether DNA collected from people still presumed innocent violates the Fourth Amendment. The decision could have far-reaching implications in the real world, where DNA solves far fewer cases than on TV. Jason Silverstein is a PhD student in anthropology at Harvard and a contributor to The Nation. He looked into the racial implications of the case that Justice Samuel Alito called, “Perhaps the most important criminal procedure case that this court has heard in decades.”

Who Owns Your Genes?

Rebecca Lavoie — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:21:03 +0000

As of last month, over forty-thousand patents on DNA molecules have been submitted by private research companies –essentially claiming the entire human genome sequence for profit. The Supreme Court will review the matter at hearing on April 15th, and the outcome could have a significant impact on personalized medicine and scientific research. Joining us is Doctor Christopher Mason of Weill Cornell Medical College’s department of Physiology and Biophysics. He’s co-author of a new study that got our attention, on the issue of genomic liberty.

My Life is Your Life

Virginia Prescott — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:25:38 +0000

Greta Garbo is best known throughout her storied career for her plea from the 1932 film Grand Hotel. She later left the spotlight and chose to live the rest of her life privately and anonymously – an exit considered freakish by the public and a press which shadowed her the rest of her life. Today, we know far more about everyday citizens who’s allure falls far short of Garbo’s.

The See All Sample

Virginia Prescott — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:36:51 +0000

How government agencies will soon be sampling DNA from anyone over the age of 14 and possibly even younger.

N.Y. Passes DNA Requirement For Convicted Criminals

Joel Rose — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:36:00 +0000

Early on Thursday, lawmakers in New York approved a bill that will make the state the first to require DNA samples from almost all convicted criminals — and make its DNA database one of the largest in the nation.

Most states, including New York, already collect DNA samples from felons, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.