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Cybergenetics TrueAllele technology enables objective analysis of previously unusable DNA evidence
Perlin, M.W. Cybergenetics TrueAllele technology enables objective analysis of previously unusable DNA evidence. MathWorks Newsletters: Technical Article. 1-4, 2013.
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Abstract: Human expert evaluation of DNA evidence can be challenging, even on simpler samples. The analyst performing the examination requires significant training, and the review process is slow and tedious. Human interpretation methods may not eliminate natural examination bias. Heuristic approaches that truncate data can rob the evidence of much probative value.
Today, most DNA samples are not simple. They can contain little DNA, exhibit degradation, or mix together the DNA of several people. These factors compound the data analysis difficulties. Sometimes expert analysts are unable to draw a conclusion, despite expending considerable effort. As a result, valuable evidence to convict the guilty or exonerate the innocent becomes unusable in court.
Cybergenetics TrueAllele® technology, developed with MATLAB®, uses signal processing and advanced statistical methods to extract identification information from DNA data. TrueAllele's probabilistic approach is more thorough, more objective, and faster than human analysis. These advantages let crime labs extract information from previously inconclusive samples, and reduce backlogs of evidence awaiting review.