Earlier today I wrote an article half in jest suggesting that some day soon we might all have to show up to the polls to vote and provide a sample of our DNA.
We are not there yet, but DNA tests have been in the news today. First, and least important, Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the father of one of the spice girls through a DNA test.
I guess she told him what she 'really really' wanted.
Then I was reading this article about a town in Australia that is looking at identifying all dogs by DNA. They are hoping to be able to confirm a suspect dog is the right pooch after it attacks someone through DNA (dna from saliva on the wound, or from other clues left at the scene). This will help authorities insure that they put the right dog down and will help them be sure that they are taking action against the right dog owners.
It strikes me that in this age of rampant identity thievery, we are probably only about 5-10 years away from everyone submitting their DNA to a mass database where our identity can be confirmed. The next time you want to withdraw cash from the ATM or vote, you might have to suffer a pin prick or maybe a throat swabbing for that DNA match. It starts with some bad doggies down under, you might be next!
Link to DNA test to collar dangerous dogs | | The Australian
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