d.n.a evidence

[jannyneve]

can d.n.a. deteoriate over time.

[hinge1967]

I think it would depend on the nature of the sample. In nature body fluids would degrade quickest, followed by skin cartilage hair and bone. The DNA is contained within the cells of organic compounds so as long as one complete cell remains its theoretically possible to get a sample. Deteriation would also depend on environmental factors.

Mmmmmmm.......I hope you are writing a book.......rather than a victim of, or contemplating, crime!

[jake-the-peg]

DNA evidence is a long way from the scientific certainty that a lot of people think it is.

OK it's 10 years ago now and a lot of work has been done  since then but take a look at this link regarding the DNA evidence in the OJ Simpson case:

http://www.promega.com/geneticidproc/ussymp6proc/gerdes.htm

This is related to cross contamination due to shoddy laboratory work rather than time based - but it's pretty scary stuff when you think of the number of people who are convicted based on this sort of evidence

[newtron]

Good point jake.  It's funny, we were watching CSI (I think) and one of the female detectives was shown processing a DNA sample with here hair down hanging over her shoulders.  Talk about possible contamination LOL.  Well I guess you got to look sexy while you're doing your lab work!!  I hope that's not how it works in the real world!