NBC29DNA Backlog Breakthrough at UVA?

DNA Backlog Breakthrough at UVA?

A big backlog of DNA evidence in crime labs all across the country sometimes slows investigations down to a crawl. But research being done at the University of Virginia could eliminate the backlog by speeding up the process.

"Using this microchip, we're able to trap sperm cells," pointed out UVA researcher Jessica Norris. "And let the female DNA go free."

"But instead of moving electrons, it moves fluids, and allows us to do the funky chemistry very rapidly," added fellow researcher James Landers. 

That's the simple explanation of a complicated concept that could one day mean more sexual assault cases are solved more quickly. Years of research designed to speed up DNA analysis have gone into this step.  

"Approximately 35-45 minutes, instead of an overnight incubation that a lot of forensic labs typically use today," shared Norris. 

Because it takes so long to process sexual assault evidence, most of it sits in storage,  keeping cases on hold. "How frustrating is it, to know your sample is sitting in storage, waiting to be analyzed, for up to six months, maybe a year?" posed Norris. 

The longer the evidence sits, the less viable it can become. Norris explained, "The cells start to break down, you have less of a chance or obtaining a profile of the perpetrator." 

Norris has spent the past five years developing the technology that could change that. While scientific approval could be years off, the idea is gaining ground.

"I have spoken to forensic scientists from all over the country regarding this technique," Norris told us. "They agree with me, they feel that it is very promising."

The project is far from finished, but Norris says she believes the technology will one day be used in labs around the country.