Applied DNA Sciences CEO James Hayward to Testify at NY State Senate Hearing on Strategies to Ensure Academic Testing Security

Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. APDN 0.00% , has been invited by the Chairman of the New York Senate Higher Education Committee to speak about APDN's digitalDNA(TM) technology to help block cheating on standardized tests such as the SAT college entrance exam. The Chairman, State Senator Kenneth LaValle, has been pressing for a solution since dozens of individuals were arrested on Long Island last November for paying others to take the tests for them.

At least four test-takers have been accused of accepting cash payments of $500 to $3,600 to take the test for students, largely from Long Island's North Shore schools.

In his testimony, Dr. Hayward will detail how APDN's digitalDNA can aid in preventing a reoccurrence of the cheating scandal.

In a TV interview with CBS News on January 23, Dr. Hayward demonstrated the technology he called "a novel system that is absolutely unbreakable for students taking the SAT exams."

(A video clip of the interview may be found here, the CBS news story here).

The digitalDNA system creates a counterfeit-proof, secure ID card. The card is embedded with infinitesimal molecules of plant DNA segments that authenticate a student's identity in a way that is absolutely uncopyable. The anti-counterfeiting technology also features a scannable printed code, which visually represents the same identity information. Embedded within the iconic code, and in covert locations on the card, is the physical code of digitalDNA. A scan, using a Smartphone or other mobile device, may be done instantly for exam-screening purposes, or at any other point. If deemed necessary, a second level of screening is available: the plant DNA on the card may be swabbed and forensically evaluated; a system well-recognized by courts globally.

All information is sent wirelessly to, and stored in, an ultra-secure internet database in "a private cloud." Applied DNA Sciences is closely affiliated with Stony Brook University's Center of Excellence in Wireless & Information Technology.

In his planned testimony, Dr. Hayward comments:

"Botanical DNA markers transform SAT identification cards into robust evidentiary tools that can assist in criminal prosecution efforts. The challenge is to ensure that actual, eligible, registered participants complete their exams. The goal is preserving exam integrity and maintaining a level playing field for all participants, and the solution is enhanced preregistration in tandem with identity verification before and after exams. We are confident that digitalDNA can assist in achieving the goal of an effective, easy-to-use and affordable system for preventing testing fraud."

Applied DNA Sciences is well-known throughout Europe and the U.S. for using botanical DNA to create very high security anti-counterfeiting systems. Such a system, now being piloted by an agency of the Department of Defense, identifies counterfeit microchips before they make their way into the U.S. military supply chain. Product authentication using botanical DNA has proved to be virtually uncopyable and resistant to the most highly stressed environment -- a must for the military.

APDN has installed its products in Europe and the U.S., protecting banks and ATMs (U.S.), jewelry stores (Sweden), and cash-in-transit strong boxes (UK). Its Signature DNA cash-protection system has won two top policing prizes in the United Kingdom over the past two years for successful work with police in helping secure convictions of cash thieves.

The State Senate hearing on SAT cheating is scheduled for January 24th, between the hours of 12:00PM and 3:00PM Eastern Time in the Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room A in Albany, New York. This event will also be streamed live on the NY Senate, Committee on Higher Education webpage found at: http://www.nysenate.gov/committee/higher-education

About Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. sells patent-protected DNA security solutions to protect products, brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. SigNature DNA is a botanical mark used to authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially cannot be copied, and provide a forensic chain of evidence that can be used to prosecute perpetrators. To learn more, go to www.adnas.com where APDN routinely posts all press releases.

Janet Vasquez, Director of Corporate Communications

The Investor Relations Group

11 Stone Street, 3rd floor

New York, NY 10004

212-825-3210

jvasquez@Investorrelationsgroup.com

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