Applied Biosystems releases forensics aid

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- California-based Applied Biosystems has announced the availability of new software that provides faster DNA analysis for use in criminal investigations.

Applied Biosystems, a subsidiary of Applera Corp., released the GeneMapper ID-X software application that company officials say provides investigators a streamlined computerized forensic analysis as a result of its elimination of redundant tasks.

Officials say the GeneMapper offers forensic laboratories "faster DNA results by automating routine DNA analysis and facilitating more efficient manual review of complex samples," the release said.

According to FBI records at the national DNA database, the Combined DNA Index System has produced DNA matches that have identified criminals or aided in the investigation of more than 50,000 cases.

This new software application from Applied Biosystems is intended to support the increasing use of DNA in forensic cases.

"Applied Biosystems continues to respond to feedback from forensic scientists who are looking to have faster DNA data analysis," Leonard Klevan, Applied Biosystems applied markets division president, said in a statement. "Faster DNA results help increase the amount of useful and reliable information available to forensic investigators to solve more crimes."