Although Afghan captives being held at Camp X-Ray and in Afghanistan have had their fingerprints, photographs and hair samples taken, American officials now want samples of their DNA as well. American officials have proposed the development of a DNA data bank of detainees by analyzing their blood samples for identification purposes as well as tracking terrorism suspects in the future.

However, although DNA is an excellent means of identification and is relatively simple to isolate and compare, the results are never 100% certain and the possibilities are almost endless. We leave skin cells containing DNA everywhere we go and on every thing we touch, so, in theory, a forensic scientist could prove that we had been there. In addition, some experts raise questions about the reliability of DNA evidence and, therefore, fear that the innocent will be wrongly convicted. 

The development of a gene bank involves isolating the DNA molecule from a cell, which is then treated with enzymes to break it into pieces. These are separated using an electric current, and the pattern of the separated fragments is used to compare samples. In theory, all that is needed to extract DNA is one cell. This cell can come from a speck of blood, a swab of saliva or even a miniscule fragment of skin that clings to a strand of hair. But a more reliable match can be made when a larger sample is available – at least one-thousandth the size of a salt grain, invisible to the naked eye yet able to be separated and matched.  

The proposed DNA profiles would most likely to be stored in a computer retrieving system so they can be called up and compared with DNA samples taken from a current criminal case. 

DNA Data Bank Of Terrorism Suspects… How Feasible Is It? 

USS Cole after being bombed in Aden, Yemen

Frustrated by their inability to identify a vast majority of captured fighters of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, U.S. federal authorities are proposing to establish a DNA data bank of terrorism suspects by analyzing blood samples from thousands of detainees being held in Afghanistan and Cuba. 

The information could also play a role in some current investigations, including the case of Richard Reid, who has been accused of trying to blow up a trans-Atlantic flight in December 2001 with explosives hidden in his shoes. Investigators discovered two human hairs embedded in a crude igniting device found in Mr. Reid’s shoes. The authorities said that the strands did not match Mr. Reid’s hair and that if a DNA database existed, analysts could search it for a match and perhaps identify an accomplice.

However, although it is increasingly accurate, DNA testing is not foolproof. DNA samples can be stored at –80 ^oC in a test tube about the size of the top joint of a thumb. As a result of long-term DNA storage, spontaneous changes can occur. In addition, the tests may fail to make an accurate match if the DNA sample was contaminated at the scene of the crime. Although the chances are remote, the more DNA sample you get in the data bank, the greater the chance that you find two samples that look the same but are not actually from the same person. An investigation could be complicated if, for example, the prime suspect has a twin. The pair will have either identical or very similar genetic profiles. 

If a suspect drank from a glass left at the crime scene, scientists can test for skin cells from their lips. Even a fingerprint can be tested if skin cells from the offender’s finger are left behind. But the collected sample could also have been a cell left lounging around on the surface before the offender put their finger on the same place. So there is always the question “did it really come from that person”? Science can still not be 100% certain. 

The total DNA makeup is unique to an individual and can be matched up with the person from whom it originated. However, in forensic investigation only fragments of the DNA from a cell are compared and not the entire strand. Because of this, there is the possibility that more than one person might have the same pattern for such a fragment. 

• Identification of the Victims of the World Trade Center Attack

Some victims from the World Trade Center attacks were identified after DNA evidence collected from toothbrushes, hairbrushes and other belongings of those lost in the wreckage was compared with samples gathered from victim’s families. 

• Identification of the Source of Anthrax Strain

Although anthrax was traced to the Ames American strain of bacteria, first isolated in Iowa and maintained by U.S. Army and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) since 1980, discovering the genetic sequencing could reveal the age of the deadly strain sent in the letters and might lead investigators to the laboratory where it was produced. However, even that genetic information might not be enough to turn up a suspect because so many scientists have access to anthrax for research purposes. In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that they are investigating the loss or theft of more than two-dozen potentially dangerous biological samples, including anthrax microbes in 1991 from the military labs at Fort Detrick. 

• Bin Laden Genes

U.S. officials do not believe that Osama bin Laden is dead but they want to rule out definitively that the al-Qaeda leader was not killed in a recent missile strike in Zawar Kili in Afghanistan on February 4, 2002. Although local Afghan villagers said that the victims were innocent Afghans, the armed forces pathology lab is examining human remains to determine the identities of the people killed in the missile strike. One of the people killed in the strike has been described as tall, dressed in Arab white robes, and treated with deference by others, leading to speculation that it could have been bin Laden.  

The United States is trying, through intermediaries, to obtain DNA samples, from members of Bin Laden’s family for comparison with forensic evidence, if needed. There could be many possible DNA donors; bin Laden’s father, now dead, had 54 children by several wives. 

On October 12, 2000, bombers in a small, explosives-laden boat approached American battleship the USS Cole while it was refueling in Aden harbor in Yemen and detonated the explosives, ripping a 60-by-40-foot hole in the steel hull. The blast killed 17 American sailors and injured 39. U.S. officials are trying to get a DNA sample from the colleted human remains - such as teeth and bones of the bomber - for identification purposes. 

Sources: 

• Bassals, Susan. “A Database Too Far?” New Scientist. March 10, 2002. 

• Brahimi, Rym. “Scientists Fears Over DNA Plan.” The Scientist. March 7, 2002. 

• Candiotti, Susan. “Breakthrough May Be Close In Anthrax Probe.” CNN. January 21, 2002. 

• Johnston, David & Risen, James. “U.S. Wants DNA of ALL Detainees From Afghanistan.” The New York Times. March 3, 2002. 

See also: 

• The Role of DNA Identification in the Aftermath of September 11 

• Who is Sending the Anthrax Letters?... A Scientific Analysis 

• Are the Camp X-Ray Captives Facing Health Risks? 

• Why is Hunting Bin Laden an Extraordinary Operation? 

Electromagnetic Implications Of Modern Warfare Technology The Hippocratic Oath in Modern Health Systems The Role of Brainwashing in Current Events Journal of an Herbalist: The Mystery Child Al-Birunis’ ‘Economy of Nature’ in Modern Biotechnology Sonar in Underwater Warfare Technology Journal of an Herbalist The Healing Power of Prayer Beads The Dangers of Soy: Advertising and Your Health Journal of an Herbalist: Colds and Flus Osteoporosis DNA Data Bank... From Anthrax Letters to Bin Laden Genes Health & Science Archive Search Articles