Breakthrough DNA testing helps solve 12-year-old murder, could crack hundreds of cold cases
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London (UK): A pioneering DNA-testing technique has led to the conviction of a man for the brutal murder of an 86-year-old woman, 12 years after the crime. The forensic breakthrough is now being hailed as a major advancement in solving long-standing cold cases.
David Newton, 56, was sentenced to life in prison in February 2025 for the murder of Una Crown, a retired postmistress found dead in her Wisbech, Cambridgeshire home in January 2013. She had been stabbed multiple times, and her throat was slit. Initially ruled an accident due to attempts to set her body on fire, police later confirmed it was a homicide.
Newton was arrested in 2013 but was released due to a lack of conclusive DNA evidence. However, in April 2024, forensic scientists reexamined samples from the crime scene using Y-STR analysis, a cutting-edge technique that identifies traces of male DNA even when mixed with larger amounts of female genetic material. The test confirmed Newton’s genetic link to the crime, leading to his conviction.
Experts say Y-STR testing could revolutionize investigations into violent crimes, particularly those against women. "This technology is a game-changer in forensic science, helping to uncover crucial evidence in cases that were once thought to be unsolvable," said Dr. Debbie Sharp of the UK’s Forensic Capability Network.
Unlike conventional DNA analysis, which often fails when male DNA is overshadowed by female genetic material, Y-STR focuses solely on the Y-chromosome, which is unique to males. This makes it highly effective in cases of sexual assault and violent crimes where the perpetrator left only minute traces of DNA.
To expand its application, Dr. Sharp is leading Swab Out Crime, a project aimed at building a comprehensive Y-STR database. So far, 4,000 DNA samples have been collected, with a goal of reaching at least 10,000. "Our long-term vision is to develop an automated system where Y-STR profiles can be matched against crime scene evidence, potentially solving hundreds of unsolved cases," she added.
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Andhra to be developed as knowledge, creator economy hub: CM Naidu
New Delhi/Amaravati (PTI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the state is taking steps to transform itself into a knowledge and creator economy hub with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and quantum technology.
He noted that Andhra Pradesh has abundant tech-driven youth and the government is formulating plans to train them in futuristic technologies with support from global technology firms.
"Our goal is to transform Andhra Pradesh into a knowledge hub by focusing on AI, quantum computing, data centres, drone cities and space cities. The youth will remain our biggest asset over the next 25 years, and we seek global partnerships to scale up the creator economy," said Naidu during his interactions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi.
Naidu, who participated in the summit in the national capital, also held meetings with several global technology leaders and industrialists to explore collaborations in artificial intelligence, clean energy and innovation ecosystems.
He met Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Autodesk AI Head Mike Haley, Aramco India Director Abdul Rehman AiThukair, LEGO Education Vice President Tom Hall, Aadhaar Founder and CTO Srikanth Nadhamuni, Khosla Ventures Managing Partner Vinod Khosla and others at the AP Pavilion.
The chief minister also held discussions with Saudi Aramco representatives on clean energy projects, including solar initiatives, and invited the company to expand operations in Andhra Pradesh, stating that the state is highly suitable for green energy production.
He sought support from NVIDIA Vice President Callista Redmond for establishing AI Living Labs and proposed partnerships through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub to promote youth innovation, including collaborations with IIT Tirupati and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati under the Andhra Pradesh Future Innovation and Research for Science and Technology (AP FIRST) initiative.
Naidu urged Autodesk leadership to support the development of Global Capability Centres in design engineering and requested the establishment of an Innovation Academy in Amaravati aligned with quantum technology, besides proposing AI and robotics learning labs in partnership with LEGO Education.
He also discussed AI-driven smart governance solutions with Quantela Inc Chairman Sridhar Gadhi, while World Bank Group Digital AI Regional Director Mahesh Uttamchandani met Naidu on the sidelines of the summit.
Following the meetings, Naidu visited various exhibition stalls at the summit, including those of NVIDIA, Tata, Intel and Microsoft, and reviewed AI applications across agriculture, healthcare and industry.
