The use of Deoxyribonucleic acid, better known as DNA, recently crossed a new threshold in suspect and victim identification. Its use as a crime-fighting tool is likely to increase exponentially by providing detectives with a ready-to-post composite image, fit for a wanted or missing poster. The DNA within each human cell carries a genetic description of its host; by unlocking this genetic code, evidentiary DNA can provide a paint-by-numbers rendering that bears a striking resemblance to its source.

Developed over the past four years, this DNA decoding technology, known as DNA phenotyping, has been partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). In addition to aiding its own forensic investigations, the DOD recognized that the technology could help with identification of unknown remains, which is paramount in accounting for personnel missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW).