Forensic DNA Profiling: Its Role and Advancements in Criminal Investigations

DNA profiling, as it is known today, basically revolutionized forensic science to a degree of being capable of establishing whose identity was matched with or linked to the crime scene. Since its use the first time in the 1980s, it has become an indispensable tool in criminal investigations that led to the conviction of many criminals and to the exonerating many wrongly accused persons. This review examines the fundamental techniques involved in forensic DNA profiling, which include STR analysis, PCR, mtDNA testing, and NGS. This article further covers the emerging role of DNA databases and investigative genetic genealogy in the solve of cold cases and mass disaster identifications. Moving forward, we look into new breakthroughs in DNA phenotyping, gene editing such as CRISPR technology, and AI in DNA analysis. As DNA forensic technology advances, its use remains at the forefront for bettering justice and criminal investigations.