NZ develops new DNA extraction technology

New DNA extraction products developed in New Zealand which have the potential to revolutionise the way laboratory samples are processed have been launched on the international market.

ZyGEM Corporation's products extract DNA from crime scene samples, plants and animals. They are being marketed as forensicGEM, phytoGEM and prepGEM.

Scientist Sir Brian Heap says DNA will be extracted from smaller samples, three times faster and at lower costs than existing methods. The new processes also reduce the risk of contamination. Sir Brian says currently about 26-per cent of crimes are being detected because of DNA testing, but with the new technology that could be raised to 40 or 50 per cent.

ZyGEM CEO Adrian Hodgson says a Hamilton livestock company which trialled the product was so satisfied with the outcome, it has become the first customer.

- NEWSTALK ZB