Abstract: A method of simulating the effect of distortion on a representation of a marker, such as a fingerprint is provided. The method is useful for generating data for use in various processes concerned with fingerprints and particularly avoids the need to manually generate and collect such data. The method includes obtaining a plurality of representations from an individual, the representations being subject to different distortions relative to one another. A function, such as a thin plate spline function, is then used to describe the effects of the different distortions on the plurality of representations obtained. This generic model of the effects of distortion can then be used to generate distortions for a further representation from an individual, preferably another individual. The simulated distorted representations can be used in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A method of processing a representation of an identifier, such as a fingerprint, is provided to improve subsequent processing of the representation. The method includes obtaining a representation of an identifier, the representation including one or more components, such as ridges. A part of the representation of the identifier is then defined as being within a neighborhood by reference to a boundary for that neighborhood, such as a rectangle. Any ends for the components which ends fall within the boundary to the neighborhood are then identified, together with any limits for the components. A limit is an element of a component which coincides with the boundary to the neighborhood and/or being an element of the component which forms the junction with one of more of the components, such as a bifurication. A processed representation of the identifier is generated by healing and/or cleaning the representation based upon the inter-relationship between the ends and/or limits of components.

Abstract: A method of comparing a first representation of an identifier with a second representation of an identifier, for instance two fingerprints is provided. The method includes selecting a plurality of features in the first representation of an identifier, such as minutia, and linking each feature to one or more of the other features. The information on the features, such as is the minutia type, and on the link or links, such as distance, can then be expressed as a vector. By comparing the vector for the first representation with a vector for the second representation information on the possibilities for them having a common source can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of comparing a first representation of an identifier with a second representation of an identifier is provided. The method includes providing an expression of the first representation, such as a fingerprint, and considering the expression of the first representation against a probability distribution based on the variation in the expression between different example representations of the second representations, to provide a first consideration. The method also provided for considering the expression of the first representations against a probability distribution based on the variation in the expression between different population representations, to provide a second consideration. By using the first consideration and second consideration together it is possible to provide a measure of comparison between the first representation and the second representation.

Abstract: A method for processing results, particularly from, the method comprising: obtaining from the results information concerning the single nucleotide polymorphisms implied for one or more loci, the information including identity information on the single nucleotide polymorphism or polymorphisms of a locus and a value related to the level detected for each identity; comparing each value with a first threshold and a second threshold, the comparison for the value or values for a locus determining the single nucleotide polymorphism identities considered to be possible for that locus.

Abstract: A method of investigating a DNA sample is provided involving taking at least two sub-samples from the sample, amplifying the sub-samples, analysing the sub-samples to obtain identity information and amount of that identity about one or more alleles indicated as present in the sub-samples in respect of 5 or more loci and establishing identity information deemed representative of the sample from the sub-samples, wherein identity information from a sub-sample about a particular identity is included in the identity information deemed representative of the sample when that particular identity is indicated as present by one or more of the sub-samples analysed, the amount of that particular identity in the identity information deemed representative of the sample being a weighted combination based on the amount of that particular identity in the sub-samples. In this way useful profiles can be obtained more often than they are at present, with reduced costs and with reduced expertise and time requirements.

Abstract: A method of evaluating primers for use in the amplification of DNA sequences, a method of producing a mixture of primers for such a purpose and a method of amplifying a plurality of DNA sequences using a mixture of primers is provided in which the evaluation involves performing one or more initial evaluations, obtaining a plurality of SNP sites and related potential primer identities which are passes, generating primers corresponding to those primer identities and conducting a test amplification process using those primers in conjunction with a further evaluation of the results, the pass primers therefrom forming a pool of primer candidates from which one or more primers for use in the amplification of DNA sequences are selected. The invention provides a faster, cheaper and more versatile technique for developing multiplexes, particularly for forensic science type investigations.

Abstract: Methods for establishing the genotype of a DNA sample, and methods for investigating the potential sources of a DNA sample arising from a plurality of source, are provided, the methods being based on a method including: analysing the sample to produce a data profile for the sample for a locus; proposing a suggested genotype; generating a first stage profile for the locus for the suggested genotype; adjusting the first stage profile to account for one or more factors to give a simulation profile; and comparing the data profile and the simulation profile to provide an indication of the likelihood of the data profile given the suggested genotype. The methods in effect make adjustments to take the first stage profile, potentially through one or more intervening profiles, to the simulation profile, the simulation profile being an anticipation of the data profile which would be expected to occur for that suggested genotype in practice.

Abstract: A method of amplification of one or more DNA sequences in a DNA containing sample, and methods of investigating such samples are provided in which an improved amplification cycling regime is used. The regime features a first phase and a second phase, the first phase including a denaturation temperature step, followed by an annealing temperature step, followed by a corrected annealed primer extension temperature step, these steps being followed by an annealing temperature step, corrected annealed primer extension temperature step prior to any further denaturation temperature steps being applied. Increased amplification from a given number of amplification cycles and maximised sensitivity for the DNA amplification process is achieved as a result.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for obtaining information about DNA analysis of samples of uncertain origin by establishing the likelihood that they arose in certain manners compared with other possible manners. In this way all of the analysis information is taken into account and likelihood ratios are provided to express the results. The invention is particularly useful in analysing small DNA samples or DNA samples where the contribution from one or more sources is small.

Abstract: An improved method of comparing a first data set with a second data set is provided, particularly suited for data sets arising from the analysis of DNA samples, in which both first and second data set are compared with one another, the comparison occurring before any processing of the data has occurred. In this way an empirical analysis of the data is provided which does not introduce any of the errors or data omissions inherent in an interpretive approach to data analysis.

Abstract: The use of ethylene oxide for the purpose of providing an item substantially free of DNA is provided. Methods of treating items to render them substantially DNA free are also provided. A method of verifying the substantially DNA free status of an item is also provided. A method for producing items is also detailed in which one or more of the products are analysed to establish whether those and/or other product have DNA associated with them after treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining additional information about DNA mixtures arising from a variety of sources and/or a variety of concentrations.

Abstract: A method for collecting an analyte species from a sample is provided, the method of collection potentially being supplemented to give a method of preparing a sample for analysis and/or a method of analysis. The method including providing part of a sample in a substrate, causing the sample to migrate to an interface between the substrate and a second substrate due to the action of an electrical potential difference, the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species of the second substrate being balanced by or exceeded by the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate and the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate being in an opposing direction to the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species in the second substrate. In this way substantial concentration of the analyte species at the interface is provided. Subsequently the species can be conveyed away from the interface for further preparation and/or analysis.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide additional information of the identity or source of DNA sample, particularly an ethnic characteristic, such as the ethnic grouping, of the person who is the source of the DNA sample.

Abstract: A method for establishing the genotype of the locus is provided in which a series of calibration samples are analysed, the results being one of three indication types, a window being defined relative to the indication for each of the indication types, unknown samples being similarly analysed with the window that they fall within being taken to determine the indication type for the unknown sample and hence the genotype of the relevant locus.

Abstract: The invention provides allelic ladder mixtures and individual alleles suitable for use in such mixtures. The allelic ladder mixtures give improved identification and distinguishing capabilities, particularly suitable in forensic investigations.

Abstract: The invention provides improved techniques for investigating DNA samples, which offers improved sensitivity and specifity.

Abstract: A method of amplification of one or more DNA sequences in a DNA containing sample, and methods of investigating such samples are provided in which an improved amplification cycling regime is used. The regime features a first phase and a second phase, the first phase including a denaturation temperature step, followed by an annealing temperature step, followed by a corrected annealed primer extension temperature step, these steps being followed by an annealing temperature step, corrected annealed primer extension temperature step prior to any further denaturation temperature steps being applied. Increased amplification from a given number of amplification cycles and maximised sensitivity for the DNA amplification process is achieved as a result.

Abstract: A method of evaluating primers for use in the amplification of DNA sequences, a method of producing a mixture of primers for such a purpose and a method of amplifying a plurality of DNA sequences using a mixture of primers is provided in which the evaluation involves performing one or more initial evaluations, obtaining a plurality of SNP sites and related potential primer identities which are passes, generating primers corresponding to those primer identities and conducting a test amplification process using those primers in conjunction with a further evaluation of the results, the pass primers therefrom forming a pool of primer candidates from which one or more primers for use in the amplification of DNA sequences are selected.