PAA New cutting-edge DNA tests can identify genetic mutations to differentiate between identical twins. <\/p>\n
US prosecutors say they have a new tool to persuade jurors in cases involving twins: cutting-edge DNA testing that can identify genetic mutations to differentiate between identical siblings. <\/p>\n
Boston prosecutors re-indicted a rape suspect earlier this month after receiving new DNA test results they say pointed to him but ruled out his twin in two rape cases in 2004. <\/p>\n
Dwayne McNair, of Dedham, pleaded not guilty on Monday and is being held on $US500,000 ($A540,980) bail. <\/p>\n
Boston prosecutors had a similar case a decade ago. Other cases have popped up in other parts of the US, showing the challenges of prosecuting a twin. <\/p>\n
Standard DNA testing has not been able to differentiate between identical twins because they come from a single fertilised egg. <\/p>\n
\"The science behind this testing has been used in research, in paternity tests and in a variety of other capacities,\" said Jake Wark, a spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley, whose office is now prosecuting McNair. <\/p>\n
\"The forensic application is novel, but it's supported by a widely accepted scientific foundation,\" Wark said. <\/p>\n
McNair was scheduled to go on trial last April. But after prosecutors heard about the new DNA test done by a German company, Eurofins Scientific, they decided to temporarily withdraw the charges against McNair so they could get a new round of testing done on DNA taken from a condom used in one of the rapes. Eurofins says it has been able to identify genetic mutations to differentiate between twins. <\/p>\n
Prosecutors re-indicted McNair earlier this month after the new test results pointed to McNair and ruled out his twin brother, Wark said. <\/p>\n
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Read more: PAA New cutting-edge DNA tests can identify genetic mutations to differentiate between identical twins. US prosecutors say they have a new tool to persuade jurors in cases involving twins: cutting-edge DNA testing that can identify genetic mutations to differentiate between identical siblings. Boston prosecutors re-indicted a rape suspect earlier this month after receiving new DNA test results they say pointed to him but ruled out his twin in two rape cases in 2004. Continue reading
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