b) The cost advantages for SNPs are not obvious at present. Although platforms and biochemistry are being developed that enable extremely high throughput, this research is carried out primarily for the pharmaceutical industry for drug discovery and is not directly applicable to forensic use. This is because forensic scientists have to contend with small-degraded samples. There are substantial difficulties associated with building large multiplexes. It is easy to be swept along with the tide of new technology, simply because it is something different. However, we must take a step back and objectively evaluate the reasons for implementing a new system. New does not necessarily mean better or applicable. We should remember that SNPs were initially developed for forensic application in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but were superseded by STRs because of their marked superiority – the discussion is not new. Since then, the SNP platform and biochemistry have undergone development to merit fresh consideration within the context of high throughput and associated reduced costs. However, concurrent parallel research continues to miniaturise and to reduce the costs of STR platforms as well. Consequently, more time is needed to assess the new developments.