The Department of Defense (DoD) DNA Operations division at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) has made a groundbreaking achievement in DNA technology. The specially trained scientists at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) have developed new methods to identify unknown service members from past conflicts, including the innovative Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) capture. This new method allows for extended kinship prediction and has been validated according to forensic accreditation standards, providing stronger statistical support than current crime laboratory DNA tests.
Led by the AFDIL Emerging Technologies (ETS) team, the SNP capture process can be completed in as little as two weeks, from extraction to data analysis. This new technology has been instrumental in identifying the remains of fallen military heroes and supports the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s goal of 200 identifications per year. The development of the Parabon Fx analytical software package in collaboration with Parabon NanoLabs has played a crucial role in this advancement.
Dr. Tim McMahon, Director of DoD DNA Operations, emphasizes the importance of the creative and gifted minds of the staff in achieving these breakthroughs. The dedication and hard work of the team have resulted in significant progress in forensic DNA analysis, ensuring timely answers for families waiting for closure. The DoD DNA Operations division continues to lead the way in utilizing cutting-edge DNA technology to honor and identify fallen service members.
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