Hear from the thought leaders in human identification from around the globe. These scientist spotlights present new applications and efficiencies in traditional STR analysis, NGS, and rapid DNA that are advancing the field of forensic DNA analysis.
Traditional DNA analysis
Combating human trafficking with DNA analysis
Dr. Bruce Budowle, Executive Director (retired) of The Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas describes how the Center is developing programs and utilizing DNA technologies to combat human trafficking.
Developing a new national database: Validation, standardization and quality requirements
Police Lieutenant Colonel Lorna Santos describes how The Philippines is instituting their forensic DNA database and implementing quality standards to aid in solving crime.
Building a forensic DNA analysis lab
Liz Peters from Fiji Police Force discusses how bringing new forensic DNA technology into her lab has improved sample processing to help solve crime faster.
Optimizing the sexual assault workflow: Applied Biosystems Quantifiler Trio, Yfiler Plus and Identifiler kits
Donna Foskin, senior scientist, from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) describes their workflow optimization for processing sexual assault kits using forensic DNA analysis.
Value of YSTRs in resolving mixture samples
Dr. Franz Neuhuber, Head of Forensic Molecular Biology Department at University of Salzburg, Austria, shares details of an attempted rape case that prompted his lab to adopt Y-STR analysis.
Flexibility of 6-dye Chemistries in recovering maximum information
Dr. Antonio Alonso, a DNA expert at the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Madrid (Spain), discusses the transition to 6-dye Chemistry technology in order to gain workflow efficiency and reduce operating costs. He highlights the value of Y-STR analysis in resolving sexual assault cases and provides the example of an 18-year-old rape/murder cold case in Spain that was solved using Applied Biosystems Yfiler Plus chemistry.
Why should Forensic labs use Y-STR analysis in sexual assault cases
In many sexual assault cases, standard autosomal STR typing does not yield a probative result due to large quantities of female DNA and very little male DNA. Dr. Jack Ballantyne from the University of Central Florida explains that Y-STR analysis can help in such cases and it is a mere extension of standard methodology that labs are using today.
Forensic DNA analysis of highly degraded samples
From understanding how body decomposition affects forensic DNA analysis to simulating IED explosions with the goal of finding touch amounts of DNA, Sheree Hughes, PhD, from Sam Houston State University describes her work on optimizing DNA extraction and STR analysis methods, and when to apply next-generation sequencing to her studies.
NGS analysis
Identification of human remains from rebel’s graves: CE and NGS analyses
Forensic scientists at the State Forensic Medicine Service are working to solve one of Lithuania’s greatest historical mysteries—identifying the remains from an 1863 uprising. Marija Caplinskiene, MD, PhD, discusses how her team is using both capillary electrophoresis and next-generation sequencing to analyze DNA from recovered bones found in recently revealed graves.
Next-Generation Sequencing for Forensic DNA Analysis
Executive Director Soizic Le-Gunier discusses how Institute Genetics Nantes Atlantique (IGNA) uses the various technology options and how SNP genotyping will have an impact in the future.
Massively Parallel Sequencing of mtDNA in a Casework Laboratory
Jennifer Churchill Cihlar, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas, provides guidance for bringing mtDNA analysis into casework operations.
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis in Human Identification
Walther Parson, PhD, from the Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, discusses a number of cases his lab has worked on using mtDNA analysis to make critical identifications.
MPS of STRs in Forensic DNA Analysis
Dr. Pedro Barrio, a DNA expert with the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in Madrid, Spain, describes his experience working with mixtures using NGS to get more information from his samples.
Rapid DNA analysis
Harnessing the power of forensic DNA analysis to solve crimes faster
Dave Reichert, former King County Sherriff, discusses the decades- long investigation into the Green River Killer and how DNA analysis may help solve crimes faster in the future.
Field Ready Rapid Investigative Leads in France
With more than 20,000 DNA analysis requests from remote territories and a desire to improve operational response times, the French Gendarmerie, implemented decentralized DNA analysis capabilities. Learn how their innovative solutions are helping to generate rapid investigative leads and identifications at the scene.
Investigative Leads with Rapid DNA in Connecticut
Rapid DNA is a powerful tool being used around the world transforming the investigative process providing leads in the initial critical hours. Come see how the Connecticut State Police and their law enforcement partners built their Rapid DNA program, from evidence processing to reporting, to provide their customers time sensitive information to assist investigations.Rapid DNA is a powerful tool being used around the world transforming the investigative process providing leads in the initial critical hours. Come see how the Connecticut State Police and their law enforcement partners built their Rapid DNA program, from evidence processing to reporting, to provide their customers time sensitive information to assist investigations.
Rapid DNA at the Booking Station in Louisiana
Join Louisiana State Police and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office as they share how the integration of Rapid DNA during the booking process ensures individuals who are arrested for a qualifying offense will have their DNA processed, uploaded and searched within 90 minutes. Hear about implementation best practices and how the Nation’s first Rapid DNA Booking program supports their agencies’ missions.
Rapid DNA: Forging Partnerships
Mark Smith, Supervising Forensic Scientist and Rapid DNA Coordinator, describes how AZ Dept of Public Safety took their vision to forge lasting partnerships between the crime lab and their various law enforcement agencies and turned it into reality using Rapid DNA technology.