Over the past decades, forensic science made significant breakthroughs that contributed to the successful outcome of cases. Some of these are DNA typing, physical evidence databases, and other new scientific instrumentation.

1. Timpano Legal
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Solving Cold Cases: Old
Evidence, New Technology

2. Over the past decades, forensic science made significant breakthroughs that contributed to
the successful outcome of cases. Some of these are DNA typing, physical evidence
databases, and other new scientific instrumentation.
For instance, as DNA found at a crime scene can now be collected and run through a
database for comparison, investigating teams can match DNA with an existing criminal
profile more easily.
Still, there are cases left unsolved because of
lack of clues. The limited evidence and
technology at the time of investigation forces
many cases to close unsolved. But current
developments are able to find new
information and increase the chances of
giving new information to “cold cases”.
DNA Sketching Composite Profile
The recent development in medical science
enables investigators and legal teams to find
new vantage points for cases closed because
of lack of evidence. Some of these new
technologies use DNA in crime scenes, such
as DNA phenotyping.
DNA phenotyping generates a composite sketch and gives police another tool to catch
suspects. The technology compares the collected genes in the DNA evidence to a reference
database of genomic data and prints out the DNA’s common physical traits of the DNA. A
mathematical model based on the genetic code predicts the traits of the person.
The system uses algorithms to analyze the DNA left on the crime scene to create a
composite profile. By using DNA as a blueprint, new information predicts the profile of a
suspect.

3. With physical traits like eye color and hair color written on the DNA, investigators get new
leads based on the features. The profile includes everything from skin tone to eye and hair
color. The technology even predicts the race and gender of the suspect.
Drawbacks of the Technology
The system predicts, with 97.6% confidence, the skin tone and eye color. In many cases,
prediction of race was 97.8% certain. While the technology still cannot accurately
determine height and age, and has a hard time predicting face shape, authorities say that
however imperfect the composite profile is, it gives them a way to narrow down those
outside the prediction. Most cases got over 800 tips and 600 plus suspects, and by
eliminating some of the distraction, the technology will make a difference in hard- to-solve
cases.

4. Sources:
http://www.timpanolegal.com.au/
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/231977.pdf
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dna-mugshot-how-new-tech-gives-hope-cold-
cases-n384771