DNA report raises concerns; study backs genetic evidence, but questions reliability of labs, statistics

Article Abstract:

The National Research Council has released 'DNA Technology in Forensic Science', backing the use of DNA evidence but questioning the reliability of the laboratories that study the samples and the statistical techniques by which they reach their results. The report urges the use of a new statistical method called the 'ceiling principle,' which proceeds from the assumption that the genes of people from the same ethnic group have more similarities than the general population and proposes strict standards to lessen the chance of these similarities giving rise to false matches.

Analysis, DNA testing, DNA identification, Evidence, Criminal, Criminal evidence

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Inconsistent patent rulings; federal circuit judge laments "mutiny" by panel in call for en banc hearing

Article Abstract:

The goal in establishing the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was uniformity in patent, trade and customs disputes under the court's jurisdiction. This goal was broken in 1991 and 1992 with a dispute over 'product-by-process claims,' with different panels of the court disagreeing over whether inventors with product-by-process patents can only file infringement suits against those who make the product exactly the same way. These patents are seeing increasing use for new drugs or chemicals whose structure is not completely understood.

Interpretation and construction, Biotechnology industry, Biotechnology industries, Practice, Intellectual property, Patent law, United States. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

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