Generation Gap.... or Nutjob Paranoia? You be the judge!

So, I was a seminar on Friday having to do with criminal law, and a lovely geneticist from the crime lab was giving a presentation about DNA, during which I learned several important things: 1. Everything on CSI is completely impossible; 2. some otherwise smart people in my profession are incredibly confused about biology.

After the DNA lady had talked for about 45 minutes about DNA 101,giving us the basics of DNA testing, sampling, profiles, comparisons and procedures, she had a question and answer session.  During the session, a man raised his hand and asked, in utter seriousness, whether anyone could test our DNA remotely.  Thinking that he was asking whether her lab could do tests at a crime scene, rather than in the lab, she talked about microchip scanners being developed that are currently several years from viability.  But, frustrated, the man clarified:

"Can they get our DNA from far away?  You know, can someone get your DNA with a camera?  Or something?  Can they get your profile with a scanner, from across the room or across the street?  Can they?You know?"

UM, NO.

Aside from the fact that your DNA is inside the nucleus inside each cell inside your body, and aside from the fact that it is microscopic and unbelievably complex, and aside from the fact that the idea is just patently ridiculous and impossible, why would anyone bother to develop a technology that could take a picture of your DNA from far away, when you leave bits of your DNA everywhere you go?  Why would you need a super-spy gadget to see into someone's nuclei?  Just wait for them to blow their nose!  Or spit out some gum!  Or toss a soda can! Or, get warrant for a cheek swab.  Or do any of the things we just listened to a 45 minute lecture about!

I was sitting with another 20-something at this event, and we gave each other a "didn't we learn this in freshman bio in high school?" look, and rolled our eyes.

Sooo... you be the judge.  Was this guy just confused because DNA is a largely unknown entity to baby boomers, or is he a crazy conspiracy theorist?