Final answer:
Lab technicians can indeed lift DNA profiles from items like cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and gobs of spit, which is an essential technique in forensic science for identifying individuals and linking suspects to crime scenes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, lab technicians can lift DNA profiles from items such as cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and gobs of spit. Technicians use the unique sequences in DNA to match samples from crime scenes or testing situations to individuals. This type of analysis is frequently applied in forensic science to link suspects to crime scenes, establish paternity, and identify individuals.
Objects that people come into contact with, such as those mentioned, can retain their DNA from substances like saliva or skin cells. The advancements in DNA technology allow forensic scientists to work in specialized environments, like a DNA extraction room, to carefully procure and analyze these samples. The DNA found on personal items can be matched to a suspect's DNA with high levels of accuracy, aiding in criminal investigations and other legal matters.