APDN Applied DNA Sciences Inc

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN) announces that its smartDNA anti-theft system will be used by police in Sweden to deter theft of copper wire and other copper electrical components in the Sweden national rail system. APDN's smartDNA will be used as evidence marking on the rail system's often-stolen copper wire and other parts. Applied to the metal, which has skyrocketed in price since 2009, a unique, permanent smartDNA mark will forever associate the specific copper directly to a specific crime. The plant-derived DNA is extremely robust, and has proven highly resistant to harsh weather and to criminals' attempts to clean it from stolen product. Used widely in Sweden and the United Kingdom, smartDNA has proved a powerful deterrent.

The smartDNA security system will be used on a stretch of rail track, in a test beginning shortly. Depending on results, the product could be used nationally on the extensive Sweden rail system.

"Thieves get DNA on them and at the same time, we can link what they have stolen to a specific location. Then we can prosecute them for more serious crime than we do now," stated Harly Nilsen a Sweden Transport Administration maintenance officer.

Anders Burén, Detective Superintendent and head of the surveillance unit at the regional Criminal Investigation Department in Stockholm, agreed with Nilsen, saying "The police are often successful in finding copper theft suspects, along with their haul of copper. But, legally, if we cannot link them to a specific crime we have to let them go, along with the copper itself. smartDNA may help greatly in this problem."

The initiative was met with approval in the U.S. by the former chairman of the U.S. National Grid, Robert Catell, who commented:

"I have been following Applied DNA Sciences for some time and think this is the beginning of a great application of their technology. I applaud the creative thinking of the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Police for their forward-thinking actions."

Theft of copper has become an enormous problem in Sweden and globally. Copper is commonly used in critical infrastructure, such as the rail systems and power grid. On April 10, 2012, rail traffic connecting Stockholm, Malmö, and Copenhagen was brought to a standstill after thieves severed the high-voltage overhead lines in order to steal the valuable copper wire inside. Passengers on ten trains that travel on a stretch of track on the Southern Main Line (Södra stambanan) in south central Sweden were forced to disembark.

"We have to view this as a problem for society when the thefts are so widespread that they can be compared with the sabotage of important societal infrastructure," Sweden Transport Administration chief, Gunnar Malm, said in a statement.

The adoption of smartDNA to fight copper theft follows the decision of the Swedish National Police Board (RPS) to use the security technology in covert police operations nationwide in Sweden starting in June. A spray form of the product is already used in over forty jewelry stores as an anti-intruder system. In the United Kingdom, a similar, and award-winning APDN system has been used since 2009 to apply an evidence mark on cash in transit to and from banks, with great success.

"DNA evidence marking is well proven in the UK, and they have convictions," said Nilsen. The partnership between APDN, the Sweden police and the Sweden Transport Administration was facilitated by Safe Solution AB, a security consultant working on behalf of APDN.

In the U.S., in a period from 2009-2011, over 24,000 insurance claims were made for theft of copper.* Over that time and extending to this month, the market price of copper has skyrocketed by 248%, from $1.66/lb. in January 1, 2009 to $4.13 on May 1, 2012.** Copper has become a tempting target for thieves, more than a few of whom have been electrocuted in theft attempts in the U.S. and Sweden. Copper theft has been linked by law enforcement authorities to methamphetamine use and other drug abuse.

smartDNA anti-theft systems are in use in banking and retail pharmacy in New York, and is available is this country. The technology has earned praise from U.S. law enforcement and other officials.

Dr. James Hayward, CEO of APDN stated: "From guitar strings, to electrical wire, to piping, to original sculptures, and even copper roofs, our DNA systems will catch thieves, and counterfeiters, and deter future crimes.

Those considering the smartDNA system are invited to contact Dave Wigfield, Vice President of Sales, Applied DNA Sciences at 1-631-444-6370.

About APDN

APDN is a provider of botanical-DNA based security and authentication solutions that can help protect products, brands and intellectual property of companies, governments and consumers from theft, counterfeiting, fraud and diversion. SigNature® DNA and smartDNA®, our principal anti-counterfeiting and product authentication solutions that essentially cannot be copied, provide a forensic chain of evidence and can be used to prosecute perpetrators.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature. Forward-looking statements describe APDN's future plans, projections, strategies and expectations, and are based on assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of APDN. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to our short operating history, limited financial resources, limited market acceptance, market competition and various other factors detailed from time to time in APDN's SEC reports and filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on December 8, 2011 and our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. APDN undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About Safe Solution AB

Safe Solution AB is a Sweden-based company, which among other things, provides security management for businesses. Safe Solution offers a unique experience, both as a customer and a supplier to large, complex and vulnerable activities. The company has been responsible for EU certifications of Arlanda and Bromma airports after September 11. Its successful security strategies have reduced the number of cash-in-transit robberies throughout the country.

* "Top Five States Reporting Copper Theft," Insurance Networking News, March 9, 2012. Link: http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news/insurance-claims-copper-theft-technology-30033-1.html

** Omega - Camden Copper Base Price, International Wire Group. "Copper Price History for 2012." Link: http://www.iwgcopper.com/price-history/index.cfm?year=2012

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