DNA Analysis in Degraded and Unusual Specimens

Recently there has been an increasing interest in improved DNA testing techniques and the interpretation of these.  For example, LCN and Real-Time PCR are two instances of improvements in technology that have advanced the applications of DNA testing in forensic science.  More recently the use of familial searches has also generated attention with the "Grim Sleeper" case in Los Angeles.
 
This virtual issue of papers published over the last few years in the Journal of Forensic Sciences includes information on the analysis of DNA in degraded and unusual specimens.  These have application in criminalities, physical anthropology, deontology and the identification of victims of mass disasters. They demonstrate how DNA testing has become common place in the forensic sciences. - Michael Peat, Editor

Export Citation(s)Download PDF(s)

Table of Contents

Characterization of 26 MiniSTR Loci for Improved Analysis of Degraded DNA Samples

Carolyn R. Hill M.S.,  Margaret C. Kline M.S.,  Michael D. Coble Ph.D.,  John M. Butler Ph.D., 

Development and Validation of the AmpFℓSTR® MiniFilerTM PCR Amplification Kit: A MiniSTR Multiplex for the Analysis of Degraded and/or PCR Inhibited DNA*

Julio J. Mulero Ph.D.,  Chien Wei Chang Ph.D.,  Robert E. Lagacé B.A.,  Dennis Y. Wang Ph.D.,  Jennifer L. Bas M.F.S.,  Timothy P. McMahon Ph.D.,  Lori K. Hennessy Ph.D., 

Average Probability that a “Cold Hit” in a DNA Database Search Results in an Erroneous Attribution

Yun S. Song Ph.D.,  Anand Patil Ph.D.,  Erin E. Murphy J.D.,  Montgomery Slatkin Ph.D., 

Evaluation of the Reliability of DNA Typing in the Process of Identification of War Victims in Croatia

Snježana Džijan M.Sc.,  Goran Ćurić M.D.,  Dinko Pavlinić M.D.,  Mladen Marcikić Ph.D., M.D.,  Dragan Primorac Ph.D., M.D.,  Gordan Lauc Ph.D., 

DNA Preservation in Skeletal Elements from the World Trade Center Disaster: Recommendations for Mass Fatality Management* ,†

Amy Z. Mundorff M.A.,  Eric J. Bartelink Ph.D.,  Elaine Mar-Cash M.S., 

The Correlation Between Skeletal Weathering and DNA Quality and Quantity*

Lisa M. Misner M.S.,  Andrea C. Halvorson M.S.,  Jennifer L. Dreier M.S.F.S.,  Douglas H. Ubelaker Ph.D.,  David R. Foran Ph.D., 

Polymerase Resistance to Polymerase Chain Reaction Inhibitors in Bone*

Kenneth D. Eilert M.S.,  David R. Foran Ph.D., 

A LDR-PCR Approach for Multiplex Polymorphisms Genotyping of Severely Degraded DNA with Fragment Sizes <100 bp*

Zhen Zhang Ph.D.,  Bao-Jie Wang Ph.D.,  Hong-Yu Guan M.D.,  Hao Pang Ph.D.,  Jin-Feng Xuan M.D., 

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Heat on the PCR-Amplification of Various Sized DNA Fragments Extracted from Sus Scrofa Molars*

Kelly A. Rees M.Sc.,  Margaret J. Cox Ph.D., 

Integrated DNA and Fingerprint Analyses in the Identification of 60-Year-Old Mummified Human Remains Discovered in an Alaskan Glacier

Odile M. Loreille Ph.D.,  Ryan L. Parr Ph.D.,  Kevin A. McGregor B.S.,  Colleen M. Fitzpatrick Ph.D.,  Chriss Lyon B.S.,  Dongya Y. Yang Ph.D.,  Camilla F. Speller M.A.,  Michael R. Grimm C.P.L.E.,  Michael J. Grimm,  Jodi A. Irwin Ph.D.,  Edward M. Robinson M.F.S., 

The Effects of Different Maceration Techniques on Nuclear DNA Amplification Using Human Bone

Esther J. Lee Ph.D.,  Jennifer G. Luedtke M.A.,  Jamie L. Allison M.A.,  Carolyn E. Arber M.S.,  D. Andrew Merriwether Ph.D.,  Dawnie Wolfe Steadman Ph.D.,