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Sex, society and suspicious minds (5)

By Yang Wanli  (China Daily)    08:52, March 25, 2014
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Blood is thicker than water

Records from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) show that a common test for discerning close blood relationships was the mixing of drops of blood from both parents and their baby in a bowl of water. If the blood blended, the relationship was confirmed, while separation indicated no relationship.

"That method is neither scientific nor reliable, but modern gene technology gives an accurate answer to questions of blood ties," said Deng Yajun, a DNA test expert at the Zhongzheng Forensic Authentication Institute in Beijing.

Generally speaking, the test has five main phases: registration; taking samples; magnifying the samples; introducing the samples into the testing kit; and finally, the test itself, conducted via machine.

Samples must be taken in a clean environment. Contamination from dust and other non-biological matter won't influence the result, but the testing staff is rigorously covered up to prevent their hair, scurf or saliva from entering the mix.

Blood relationships between animals can also be identified through DNA tests, and Deng said her institute has received several requests for tests from courts looking to establish the ownership or provenance of an animal.

"Most are disputes between villagers about the ownership of a calf or a foal. The kits for animal tests are more expensive than those for humans, but people are willing to pay to maintain their reputations," she said.

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(Editor:GaoYinan、Yao Chun)

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