New DNA testing program to aid in elimination of human trafficking

As human trafficking is becoming an increasingly more serious issue worldwide, scientists are now developing a program specifically aimed at eliminating this illegal activity and reuniting abducted and lost children with their families. Scientists at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, in conjuction with the University of Granada-Spain, are developing a program called DNA-PROKIDS, which will incorporate an international DNA database of DNA profiles of children who are found to be involved in human trafficking activities. The database will also include DNA profiles of parents and family members of abducted or lost children and will be searchable to match missing children to their families. Recently, a $500,000 grant by The Life Technologies Foundation was awarded to UNTHSC to fund and develop the DNA-PROKIDS Project.