The book presents hands-on protocols for conventional and advanced forensic DNA fingerprinting experiments. It includes manual, semi-automatic, and advanced automatic techniques for DNA extraction from different biological samples. It also discusses various qualitative and quantitative approaches for the assessment of extracted forensic DNA. It contains protocols for the amplification of short tandem repeat markers (STRs) for the amplification-based target enrichment of the forensic samples. Further, it examines genotyping of the STR loci through capillary electrophoresis and includes real-world case studies where forensic DNA analysis has been used in the criminal and civil disputes. The book concludes by presenting technological developments in the field of DNA forensic analysis. Suitable for beginners, it is a key reference resource on a wide variety of DNA profiling techniques and applications.

In its short but active history, the use of DNA typing has revolutionized criminal investigations. It is almost inconceivable to bring a case to trial without positive identification through what is now our most accurate means. Proficiency with the methodology, principles, and interpretation of DNA evidence is crucial for today‘s criminalist.

A powerful tool in the identification of individuals, DNA typing has revolutionized criminal and paternity investigations. Widespread analysis is now conducted by public and private laboratories in the United States and abroad. Focusing on the basic techniques used in forensic DNA laboratories, Forensic Analysis of Biological Evidence: A Laboratory

DNA typing has revolutionized criminal investigations and has become a powerful tool in the identification of individuals in criminal and paternity cases. Forensic DNA Biology: A Laboratory Manual is comprised of up-to-date and practical experiments and step-by-step instructions on how to perform DNA analysis, including pipetting, microscopy and hair analysis, presumptive testing of body fluids and human DNA typing. Modern DNA typing techniques are provided, reflecting real life, where not all institutions and crime labs can afford the same equipment and software. Real case studies will be used throughout. Provides practical step-by-step instruction on how to perform forensic DNA analysis Includes analysis of hair, presumptive testing of body fluids, human DNA typing and statistics Covers techniques such as pipetting, microscopy and DNA extraction Pre- and post-lab exercises and questions assist the reader in learning the material Report writing templates assure the reader learns real world crime lab procedure

Designed as an accessible introduction to basic scientific principles and their application in professional practice, Forensic Biology provides a concise overview of the field. Focusing solely on the science behind the forensic analysis of biological evidence, this book highlights the principles, methods, and techniques used in forensic sero

A powerful tool in the identification of individuals, DNA typing has revolutionized criminal and paternity investigations. Widespread analysis is now conducted by public and private laboratories in the United States and abroad. Focusing on the basic techniques used in forensic DNA laboratories, Forensic Analysis of Biological Evidence: A Laboratory Guide for Serological and DNA Typing introduces readers to the science of serological analysis and DNA typing methods and provides a thorough background of the molecular techniques used to determine an individual’s identity or parental lineage. Originally published as Forensic DNA Analysis: A Laboratory Manual, this revised work offers updated exercises and protocols for all kinds of DNA and serological analyses with delineated objectives, step-by-step procedures, and required laboratory supplies. Each exercise in this manual: Provides an overview of forensic DNA analysis Explains the sources or types of biological material used in a particular DNA analysis Supplies the background principles and practical methodology for specific serological analysis and DNA typing techniques Simulates human forensic testing and can also be used to simulate a wide range of applications for genetic analysis The book contains an extensive glossary to make readers familiar with terminology used in the forensic analysis of biological evidence, as well as basic terms used in molecular biology. Those who master the material in this volume will understand the methodology of the investigation in DNA typing, develop an understanding of the scientific principles involved in serology and DNA analysis, and succeed in analyzing and interpreting the data generated in each exercise with clarity and confidence.

DNA testing and its forensic analysis are recognized as the “gold standard” in forensic identification science methods. However, there is a great need for a hands-on step-by-step guide to teach the forensic DNA community how to interpret DNA mixtures, how to assign a likelihood ratio, and how to use the subsequent likelihood ratio when reporting interpretation conclusions. Forensic DNA Profiling: A Practical Guide to Assigning Likelihood Ratios will provide a roadmap for labs all over the world and the next generation of analysts who need this foundational understanding. The techniques used in forensic DNA analysis are based upon the accepted principles of molecular biology. The interpretation of a good-quality DNA profile generated from a crime scene stain from a single-source donor provides an unambiguous result when using the most modern forensic DNA methods. Unfortunately, many crime scene profiles are not single source. They are described as mixed since they contain DNA from two or more individuals. Interpretation of DNA mixtures represents one of the greatest challenges to the forensic DNA analyst. As such, the book introduces terms used to describe DNA profiles and profile interpretation. Chapters explain DNA extraction methods, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), capillary electrophoresis (CE), likelihood ratios (LRs) and their interpretation, and population genetic models—including Mendelian inheritance and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. It is important that analysts understand how LRs are generated in a probabilistic framework, ideally with an appreciation of both semicontinuous and fully continuous probabilistic approaches. KEY FEATURES: • The first book to focus entirely on DNA mixtures and the complexities involved with interpreting the results • Takes a hands-on approach offering theory with worked examples and exercises to be easily understood and implementable by laboratory personnel • New methods, heretofore unpublished previously, provide a means to innovate deconvoluting a mixed DNA profile, assign an LR, and appropriately report the weight of evidence • Includes a chapter on assigning LRs for close relatives (i.e., “It’s not me, it was my brother”), and discusses strategies for the validation of probabilistic genotyping software Forensic DNA Profiling fills the void for labs unfamiliar with LRs, and moving to probabilistic solutions, and for labs already familiar with LRs, but wishing to understand how they are calculated in more detail. The book will be a welcome read for lab professionals and technicians, students, and legal professionals seeking to understand and apply the techniques covered.