Technical Improvements in the Future

There are two general kinds of improvements that can be expected:
The first of these is better techniques applied to existing systems, STRs in particular. We can expect more foolproof systems that can provide unambiguous tests for more loci at once. Even now, some systems have added additional loci to the Core 13. This surely will continue. We can expect more automation; it is already happening. There will be more integration of computerized analysis with the laboratory tests. Capillary electrophoresis will require less material and produce faster results. We can also expect miniaturization with attendant portability. I recently read of a hand-held chipthat will analyze 8 STRs in a few minutes. We can foresee the time when analysis can take place at the crime scene. If immediate results are produced this can provide prompt clearance of erroneously identified suspects, avoiding much needless apprehension. I would emphasize, however, that what can be done in pilot experiments will usually not be good enough for forensic use, for which a system must be thoroughly tested and validated.