New applications of DNA analysis
Just a short time ago, analysing information hidden in our DNA was demanding, slow and expensive. Today, however, we all can have our DNA analysed for a relatively low price. DNA analyses for criminal proceedings have also become less complicated and expensive. All of which generates questions about the actual purpose of these tests and how well our private sphere is being respected.
Opportunities and risks
Recommendations
Links and downloads
Zentralplus 24.11.2020 «'Fall Emmen': Studie der Uni Luzern dämpft die Erwartungen»
www.zentralplus.ch/fall-emmen-studie-der-uni-luzern-daempft-die-erwartungen-1946707/
Tagesanzeiger 24.11.2020 «Mit DNA-Merkmalen auf Verbrecherjagd»
www.tagesanzeiger.ch/mit-dna-merkmalen-auf-verbrecherjagd-486876028149
Aarguer Zeitung 24.11.2020 «Wattestäbchen einschicken und die «Wer-bin-ich»-Frage beantwortet kriegen»
www.aargauerzeitung.ch/leben/leben/wattestaebchen-einschicken-und-die-wer-bin-ich-frage-beantwortet-kriegen-139982641
SRF Echo der Zeit 24.11 2020 «Das Haar des Mörders als Fahndungshilfe»
www.srf.ch/play/radio/popupaudioplayer?id=90ed182b-1d79-4e52-9578-b64c22c9a423
Radio Rabe «DNA: Nutzen für Polizei & Kunst auf Papier»
Rabe Info vom 25.11.2020
rabe.ch/2020/11/25/dna-nutzen-fuer-polizei-kunst/
Heidi.news. 25.11.2020 «Les tests génétiques récréatifs dans la zone grise du droit Suisse»
www.heidi.news/sciences/les-tests-genetiques-recreatifs-dans-la-zone-grise-du-droit-suisse
RTS Info 26.11.2020
www.rts.ch/info/suisse/11777175-le-phenotypage-pour-determiner-laspect-dun-suspect-nest-pas-sans-risque.html
RSI Telegiornale 26.11.2020
www.rsi.ch/play/tv/telegiornale/video/telegiornale?urn=urn:rsi:video:13635157&startTime=1176
Organisation
Organisation
Project duration March 2019 to autumn 2020
Project group
- Dr Erich Griessler (project leader), Alexander Lang (project coordinator), Dr Johannes Starkbaum, Florian Winkler and Milena Wuketich, Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna
- Dr Brigitte Gschmeidler, Dr Elena Kinz and Simone Schumann, Open Science, Vienna
- Professor Malte Gruber, Dr Vagias Karavas and Nina Burri, University of Lucerne
Supervisory group
- Prof. Dr. Reinhard Riedl, Präsident der Begleitgruppe, Departement Wirtschaft, Berner Fachhochschule BFH, Mitglied des Leitungsausschusses von TA-SWISS
- Dr. Nadine Keller, Bundesamt für Gesundheit BAG
- Dr. Adelgunde Kratzer, Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universität Zürich
- Dr. Alice Reichmuth Pfammatter, Datenschutzexpertin, Anwaltsbüro Reichmuth
- Prof. em. Dr. Giatgen Spinas, Universitätsspital Zürich, Mitglied des Leitungsausschusses von TA-SWISS
- Prof. Dr. Franziska Sprecher, Institut für Öffentliches Recht, Universität Bern
- Prof. Dr. Andrea Superti-Furga, Abteilung für medizinische Genetik, Universitätsspital Lausanne CHUV
- Dr. Guy Vergères, Institut für Lebensmittelwissenschaften, Agroscope
- Prof. Dr. Markus Zimmermann, Departement für Moraltheologie und Ethik, Universität Freiburg, Nationale Ethikkommission im Bereich der Humanmedizin NEK
Focus of the study
The study aims to identify both current uses of DNA analysis and potential future applications. Moreover, TA-SWISS has commissioned this study in order to shed light on various issues, including ethical aspects of genetic analysis.
Various companies already offer so-called lifestyle genetic testing: they create a genetic family tree for clients or recommend a diet that is tailored to an individual’s genetic make-up. Genetic analysis can also provide information about the physical appearance of a person based entirely on traces of DNA. Criminal prosecutors and police officials hope to create facial composites using DNA samples. In addition, DNA analysis reveals personal information – not only about the person tested, but also about his or her relatives. Who should have access to this information, and how should findings from DNA analysis be used – or not used? The TA study explores these and other questions.
Contact
Adrian Rüegsegger, TA-SWISS
adrian.rueegsegger@taswiss.dev.wly.ch