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Alec Jeffreys and genetic fingerprinting
In 1984, Alec Jeffreys discovered the technique of genetic fingerprinting in a laboratory in the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester. In 2012 Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys retired after more than 35 years' service to the University. Throughout that time, he not only continued to pursue his research interests but also continued to teach each new cohort of students -
the day DNA evidence first nailed a murderer
A man named Colin Pitchfork is the first person convicted of murder using DNA evidence. This shows that DNA can help catch criminals. -
How DNA has revolutionized criminal investigations
The FBI in the United States creates a special team to study DNA for solving crimes. -
First U.S. DNA Conviction
- Timothy Wilson Spencer, known as the "Southside Strangler," becomes the first person in the United States to be convicted of murder based on DNA evidence. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of DNA in identifying and convicting criminals
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Human Genome Project Finished
Scientists finish mapping out the human genome, which makes DNA analysis better and more accurate for solving crimes.