"While these DNA databases are powerful forensic tools, their potential remains largely unfulfilled," she said.

The attorney general, who Schauer said is not a "political ally or operative of the president or any party," also stressed the importance of addressing the issue in a nonpartisan manner.

"We must work with Congress to enable them to understand how critical [genetic testing] is in terms of protecting the innocent and ensuring public safety," she said.

Nobel laureate James Watson, who discovered the double-helix structure of DNA and poke at the conference's opening yesterday, said he was "moved by Reno's human qualities and regard for democracy." He added that he had never heard the attorney general speak before.

Watson said after the speech that he wants to see DNA technology make people's lives better, but fears its misuse.

Reno's speech came on the second of the conference's three days. The conference has featured dialogue between internationally renowned leaders in public policy, bioethics, genetics and criminal law.

Reno herself was a chemistry major as an undergraduate at Cornell University.

Before last night's address, she participated in a forum with about 20 Harvard undergraduates selected by a lottery.