All living organisms contain DNA, which encodes genetic information in cells. DNA determines the structure, function and behavior of cells and individual hereditary characteristics. DNA was first used to confirm human identity in 1985 and has since been used to revolutionize many applications involving individual identification, particularly in connection with forensic investigations. The introduction of DNA testing into the criminal justice system, both in the US and abroad, has been characterized as the most significant improvement in forensic science since the introduction of fingerprinting over 100 years ago. DNA evidence left behind at a crime scene affords prosecutors a means of identifying a suspect with almost absolute certainty. In addition, DNA evidence has proved to be the best currently available method for a wrongfully accused individual to prove his or her innocence. After the first phase of the human genome sequence was completed in 2000, attention turned from mapping the sequence of the genome to identifying genetic differences between individuals and applying this knowledge to the healthcare and other related fields. Scientists have analyzed large portions of DNA to determine the sequence of nucleotide bases within the human genome and within the genomes of plant and animal species. Scientists hope to understand and use this molecular level knowledge to transform traditional approaches to medicine, agriculture and other fields. The increasing availability of non-human genomic data is driving the use of genetic variability information for animal identification, which is expected to produce improved characteristics in livestock or crops and protect humans against animal-borne diseases.
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Company profile
Ticker
ORCH
Exchange
Employees
Location
Fiscal year end
Industry (SIC)
Former names
Orchid Biosciences Inc
SEC CIK
Corporate docs
IRS number
223392819
Latest filings (excl ownership)
15-12G
Securities registration termination
10 Jan 12
EFFECT
Notice of effectiveness
9 Jan 12
EFFECT
Notice of effectiveness
9 Jan 12
EFFECT
Notice of effectiveness
9 Jan 12
EFFECT
Notice of effectiveness
9 Jan 12
EFFECT
Notice of effectiveness
9 Jan 12
EFFECT
Notice of effectiveness
9 Jan 12
EFFECT
Notice of effectiveness
9 Jan 12
8-K
Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard
20 Dec 11
POS AM
Prospectus update (post-effective amendment)
20 Dec 11