Company says its DNA markers foil knockoff microchips

A Stony Brook DNA research company that bills itself as “the ultimate reality check” has come up with a botanical genetic marker to keep counterfeit microchips from being inadvertently used in U.S. military weapons systems and other crucial defense applications.

Applied DNA Sciences Inc. says its proprietary gene markers can be fused to the chips to “forensically ID microelectronics as a weapon to foil counterfeiters.”

A flood of millions of knockoff chips endangers the public and the military; counterfeit circuit boards, routers and other equipment are also widespread, the company said last week.

Applied DNA’s chief executive, James Hayward, spoke to industry and military leaders Aug. 30 at an International Microelectronics and Packaging Society conference in Bethesda, Md.

There he told them how “DNA marks can offer unparalleled solutions for government agencies and original component manufacturers,” the company said.