Their genetic "bar codes, " based on DNA sequences unrelated to appearance or song, completely overlap meaning that the species cannot be identified from genetic fingerprinting.

WSJ: Matt Ridley on the Possible Formation of a Species | Mind & Matter

In case you might think that Dr Meredith's sole concern is demolishing inflated reputations, the genetic fingerprinting of grapes in this way has some practical applications, too.

ECONOMIST: Genetics

"Seven out of 10 studies looking at this problem, using the latest genetic fingerprinting techniques, find a significant association between the MAP strain found in cattle and Crohn's disease, " he said.

BBC: Minister declares milk 'safe'

If particular behaviour patterns can indeed be matched to particular genetic groups, pest managers will be able to use genetic fingerprinting to work out the best strategy to combat the rats on their patches.

ECONOMIST: Pest control

It means that if, despite precautions, the Frankenbug does get out, its entirely harmless presence would be detectible in any given sample by straightforward DNA amplification technology of the sort used in genetic fingerprinting.

ECONOMIST: Artificial lifeforms

Health officials used dietary histories taken from the victims and genetic "fingerprinting" of the bacteria to trace the outbreak to a batch of unpasteurized apple juice that Odwalla uses as an ingredient in many of its mixed-fruit beverages.

CNN: E. coli poisoning leads to Odwalla juice recall