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Government

Scientists Decry "Horrifying" UK Border Test Plan 515

cremeglace writes "Scientists are dismayed and outraged at a new project by the UK border agency to test DNA, hair, and nails to determine the nationality of asylum seekers and help decide if they can enter the UK. 'Horrifying,' 'naive,' and 'flawed' are among the words geneticists and isotope specialists have used to describe the 'Human Provenance pilot project.' The methods being used to determine ancestry include fingerprinting of mitochondrial DNA and isotope analysis of hair and nails. ScienceInsider blog notes that it is 'not clear who is conducting the DNA and isotope analyses for the Border Agency,' and that the agency has not 'cited any scientific papers that validate its DNA and isotope methods.' There is also a followup post with more information on the tests that are being used, and some reactions from experts in genetic forensic analysis. This story was first reported in The Observer on Sunday."

Comment Potential (Score 1) 265

Am I the only one who thinks this could be a good idea? It gives copyright holders a chance to adapt to the new - possibly better way - to distribute their material. I can imagine big studios (**AA spooks) vehemently demanding that the torrents be removed. But the smaller/indie ones would probably consider it. I mean, their stuff are being downloaded anyway, why not earn from that too?

And who knows, if this system works for the small guys, the big ones might even change their minds.

(Related article: All you can eat music)

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