Warwick firm set to revolutionise forensic science
A HUMAN identification test which could revolutionise forensic science worldwide by solving crimes quicker has been developed in Warwickshire.
The cutting-edge technology can determine in less than two hours which suspects and evidence should be DNA tested, saving invaluable police investigation time, effort and money.
The DNA screening tool has been launched by Global Forensics, based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s recently opened LabStart facility.
Instead of using DNA, the test, known as AbP.ID, reads the unique autoantibodies found in human body fluids to establish whether the profile of evidence at a crime scene matches the profile of a suspect.
By revealing the unique antibody profile, it can identify which evidence warrants being DNA tested.
The test is now being evaluated, marketed and distributed in the UK and overseas by Global Forensics, following its development by Identity Sciences, a high-tech forensic company in the United States.
Mike Holden, chairman of Global Forensics, said: “This human identification system is the next generation of forensic tools to be invented since fingerprinting in 1901 and forensic DNA introduced in 1994.
“We expect AbP.ID will greatly impact forensic science worldwide and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Global Forensics was the first company to move onto LabStart, which offers a range of business support services as well as laboratory and office space to start-ups and pioneering companies.
David Grindrod, acting director of the science park, said: “LabStart is an ideal starting point for companies like Global Forensics which are in the early stages of development.”
He said start-up technology firms benefited because they could take advantage flexible office and laboratory space, while also being able to share equipment.
With its three sites, the University of Warwick Science Park also provides the potential for businesses to develop and relocate to bigger units within the complex.
