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: 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 extracting data from a representation of an identifier, such as a fingerprint is provided. The method includes selecting a plurality of features, such as ridge ends or bifurcations, in the representation of an identifier, considering the positions of those features and generating a reference feature, such a s a centre, from the positions of the plurality of features. The method then links one or more of the features to the reference feature and/or links one or more of the features to one or more of the other features in the plurality of features. From the result, the method extracts data including information on one or more of: one or more of the plurality of features; the reference feature; one or more of the links between a feature and the reference feature; one or more of the links between a feature and another feature.

Abstract: Set up methods, analysis methods and monitoring methods for capillary gel arrays are provided which rigorously determine the number of capillaries for which standards should be used and/or the capillaries in which standards should not be considered and/or for which performance is impaired.

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. The invention provides a method of investigating single nucleotide polymorphisms in a sample of DNA, the method comprising contacting the DNA containing sample with at least one first set of primers, amplifying the DNA using those primers to give an amplified product, contacting at least a portion of the amplified product with at least one second set of primers, amplifying the DNA using those second set of primers to give a further amplified product and examining one or more characteristics of the further amplified product, one or more of the primers of the first set of primers including a locus specific portion and a further portion, the locus specific portion of one of those one or more of the primers annealing to one side of the SNP under investigation.

Abstract: A variety of methods are provided which use a silicon or silicon dioxide channel to extract DNA from a sample and then release it at a later point. The extraction channels are simple to manufacture and reliable in use. Prior art problems with entrainment of gas, liquid and solid material within channels are addressed. The techniques provide a convenient way of controlling the amount or concentration of DNA in the eluant.

Abstract: The invention provides a marking system, markers and methods of use of such marking systems and markers which enable unique marking of articles and subsequent detection of that marking. In particular the invention provides a marking system, the marking system comprising a plurality of different DNA fragment types, each of the plurality of different DNA fragment types comprising a plurality of different length DNA fragments and a method in which a sample of the DNA fragment type is taken, amplified and analysed to determine the identity of the marker for an article.

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: 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. The technique provides a robust, reliable and accurate method of genotyping which is suited to automation.

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: 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 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: Methods of considering DNA based links between two or more situations are provided. Amongst the methods is a method including obtaining a plurality of test results, each test result relating to a situation, each test result including information on the DNA from that situation, the plurality of test results providing a group of test results; selecting a plurality of test results from the group of test results, the plurality of results for the combination of test results; considering a genotype as possibly giving rise to each of the test results of the combination, evaluating the support for that genotype giving rise to all of the test results of the combination; considering the genotype as a DNA based link between the situations for the test results in a combination if the support meets the defined criteria.

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 invention provides a marking system, markers and methods of use of such marking systems and markers which enable unique marking of articles and subsequent detection of that marking. In particular the invention provides a marking system, the marking system comprising a plurality of different DNA fragment types, each of the plurality of different DNA fragment types comprising a plurality of different length DNA fragments and a method in which a sample of the DNA fragment type is taken, amplified and analysed to determine the identity of the marker for an article.

Abstract: A method of extracting data from a representation of an identifier, such as a fingerprint is provided. The method includes selecting a plurality of features, such as ridge ends or bifurcations, in the representation of an identifier, considering the positions of those features and generating a reference feature, such a s a centre, from the positions of the plurality of features. The method then links one or more of the features to the reference feature and/or links one or more of the features to one or more of the other features in the plurality of features. From the result, the method extracts data including information on one or more of: one or more of the plurality of features; the reference feature; one or more of the links between a feature and the reference feature; one or more of the links between a feature and another feature.

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. The invention provides a method of investigating single nucleotide polymorphisms in a sample of DNA, the method comprising contacting the DNA containing sample with at least one first set of primers, amplifying the DNA using those primers to give an amplified product, contacting at least a portion of the amplified product with at least one second set of primers, amplifying the DNA using those second set of primers to give a further amplified product and examining one or more characteristics of the further amplified product, one or more of the primers of the first set of primers including a locus specific portion and a further portion, the locus specific portion of one of those one or more of the primers annealing to one side of the SNP under investigation.