The New York Times’ Liz Robbins recently reported a development in forensic DNA analysis. Over the past several decades, improvements in synthesizing DNA from trace amounts greatly increased the sensitivity of DNA profiling. Yet increasing sensitivity does not provide a solution to cases in which evidence contains trace amounts of DNA from several people.

Theresa A. Caragine and Adele A. Mitchell of the New York City medical examiner office’s forensic biology lab may have a solution. Their Forensic Statistical Tool is an algorithm for a software program that enables analysis of a DNA mixture uncovered from a crime scene and determines the probability that the DNA brew includes a defendant’s DNA profile.

Before judges allow results of the technology in court, the technique must survive Frye hearings. A Frye hearing is a challenge to the general scientific acceptance of new technology. Several Frye hearings are scheduled in New York courts.