Forensic Molecular Biology
Forensic Molecular Biology - Related Videos
09:27
An Introduction to Molecular Developmental Biology
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2023
Molecular signals play a major role in the complex processes occurring during embryonic development. These signals regulate activities such as cell differentiation and migration, which contribute to the formation of specific cell types and structures. The use of molecular approaches allows researchers to investigate these physical and chemical mechanisms in detail. This video will review a brief history of the study of molecular events during development. Next, key questions asked by molecular...
11:49
Enhanced Genetic Analysis of Single Human Bioparticles Recovered by Simplified Micromanipulation from Forensic ‘Touch DNA’ Evidence
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Cited by 26 •
2015
Here we describe an optimized and efficient removal strategy for the collection of bio-particles present in ‘touch DNA’ samples, together with an enhanced amplification protocol involving a one-step 5 µl micro-volume lysis/STR amplification, to permit the recovery of short tandem repeat (STR) profiles of the bio-particle donor(s).
12:50
Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology
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Cited by 13 •
2011
Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) was used in an upper level undergraduate Comparative Vertebrate Biology course in addition to vertebrate dissections. This gave students the opportunity to study gene expression patterns as well as gross anatomy, linking the study of molecular and organismal biology within one course.
11:20
Automated Protocols for Macromolecular Crystallization at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
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Cited by 14 •
2018
Automated systems and protocols for the routine preparation of a large number of screens and nanoliter crystallization droplets for vapor diffusion experiments are described and discussed.
09:22
Atmospheric-pressure Molecular Imaging of Biological Tissues and Biofilms by LAESI Mass Spectrometry
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Cited by 29 •
2010
Laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) is an atmospheric-pressure ion source for mass spectrometry. In the imaging mode, a mid-infrared laser probes the distributions of molecules across a tissue section or a biofilm. This technique presents a new approach for diverse bioanalytical studies carried out under native experimental conditions.
FAQs
Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, amplifies selected DNA regions so analysts can examine genetic information from biological evidence. This step is important when a sample contains only a small amount of usable material. The amplified regions can then be evaluated as STR profiles or sequence data, allowing comparison with reference samples for identification or relationship analysis.
Short tandem repeats, known as STRs, provide selected regions for comparing DNA between evidence and reference samples. Analysts examine the resulting profile rather than relying on a broad, undifferentiated sample description. Matching STR information can help associate evidence with a person or location, while statistical interpretation is needed to express how strongly the comparison supports that conclusion.
Validation establishes that an analytical approach can produce reliable conclusions under its intended conditions, while contamination control helps prevent unrelated DNA from entering the evidence or analysis. Both safeguards matter because forensic conclusions may depend on small biological samples and close comparisons. Their use increases confidence that a reported profile reflects the evidence rather than an accidental source.
A DNA comparison is not interpreted solely by observing whether profiles appear similar. Statistical interpretation helps assess the significance of the observed STR or sequence relationship when evidence is compared with a reference sample. This provides a more careful basis for conclusions about identification, association, or kinship and helps communicate the strength of the evidence rather than presenting an unsupported certainty.
The examination begins with biological evidence such as blood, saliva, hair, or tissue. Analysts extract DNA, amplify selected regions through PCR, and evaluate STR profiles or sequence data. They then compare the results with appropriate reference samples and interpret the comparison statistically. Validation and contamination-control practices accompany these stages to support reliable findings.
Kinship analysis uses DNA comparisons to help establish biological relationships, whereas human identification applies the same general evidence-based approach to unknown individuals or human remains. These applications can assist investigations involving crime, unexpected death, or unidentified remains. In medical and disaster settings, the approach can contribute to identifying people when other forms of recognition are insufficient.
In cases of unexpected death or mass-casualty events, biological evidence and reference samples can be compared to support identification of human remains. The resulting DNA information may also help clarify biological relationships when family references are relevant. Within medicine, this provides a molecular approach to identity assessment, while careful interpretation remains necessary before drawing conclusions from the comparisons.