Pictured: (l-r) Mike Holden, chairman of Global Forensics,
Sarah Bailey, lead forensic scientist at Global Forensics, and
David Grindrod, acting director of the University of Warwick
Science Park.
A human identification test which could revolutionise forensic
science worldwide by solving crimes quicker has been launched in
the region.
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.
The site in Sir William Lyons Road is dedicated to helping
businesses develop innovative products by providing laboratory and
office space.
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 USA.
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.
"The Science Park has thankfully been very flexible in terms of
the facilities it provides so it has proved to be an ideal venue
for us."
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 University of Warwick
Science Park, said: "LabStart is an ideal starting point for
companies like Global Forensics which are in the early stages of
development.
"Prior to them being able to establish commercial sustainability
and still being in the proof of concept phase, it provides a
dedicated office and laboratory space with flexible terms.
"They are also able to take advantage of access to additional
support such as common laboratory equipment which can be hugely
expensive as well as being items which may only need to be used on
an occasional basis.
"As well as the provision of services, LabStart leases the space
on a fixed annual fee, which includes rents, rates, electrics and
service charge, so there are no hidden financial extras which is
crucial for a developing business."
With its three sites, the University of Warwick Science Park
also provides the potential for businesses to outgrow LabStart and
relocate to bigger units within the complex.