If Cetus Corp. has its way, DNA will create a new generation ofindelible ink. Literally. Cetus of Emeryville, Calif., is developingDNA tags that can be used to identify substances ranging fromoil to perfume.

The technology is based on the use of Cetus' polymerase chainreaction process to read the tag. PCR allows researchers togenerate billions of copies of any targeted gene sequence in amatter of hours. Stuart Somerville, Cetus' (NASDAQ:CTUS)senior director of PCR business lines, said, "DNA tags could beused to mark any substance or item subject to counterfeiting,such as banknotes or perfume."

DNA tags could be used to track down tankers that dump oil atsea. Currently, the U.S. Coast Guard nabs suspected tankers bychemically matching spill samples with oil samples taken froma tanker. A tanker with DNA oil markers would leave a pre-registered calling card if a spill were to occur.

Oil dumping is an illegal but common occurrence. Said CoastGuard Chief Petty Officer Brad McKitrick of the Central OilIdentification Laboratory in Groton, Conn., "(We've) received135 samples of spills this year to match to tankers." DNA oiltagging is at least a year from commercialization, said Cetusspokeswoman Jana Cuiper. -- Rachel Nowak

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