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Forensic DNA
Anybody looking for information about forensic DNA will come across a number of related terms e.g. genetic fingerprinting, DNA testing, DNA typing, DNA profiling etc. The important thing to note is that all of these terms refer to techniques and scientific procedures that can be employed to differentiate between individuals; as such, DNA in a legal context is synonymous with forensic identification. According to the Human Genome Project Information website, the forensic identification process involves forensic scientists scanning 13 DNA regions. Data extracted is then used to create an individual DNA profile (also known as a DNA fingerprint). The Human Genome Project Information website lists a number of DNA Uses for Forensic Identification, these include:
We strongly recommend you pay a visit to the forensics section of the Human Genome Project Information website. In addition to the details outlined above, this excellent resource also includes information on how is DNA typing is done, some of the DNA technologies used in forensic investigations, ethical, legal, and social issues associated with DNA Databanking. There is also a comprehensive DNA forensics links section. Visit The Forensics Section of the Human Genome Project Website The Forensic DNA Expert in FocusWe are delighted to announce that our very good friend and forensic DNA expert Dean Hildebrand will be contributing to this page in due course. Dean received his PhD in 1996 from the University of British Columbia's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Until 1999 he worked as a research associate at the Bureau of Legal Dentistry (U.B.C.'s forensic odontology laboratory). His research focused on the recovery and analysis of DNA from calcified tissues from old and degraded remains for the purposes of human identification. These methods were put to the test on real forensic casework and attracted dozens of cases from agencies across North America. Dr. Hildebrand is currently a faculty member within the forensics department at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Vancouver, Canada. Click Here to watch a Television interview with Dean talking about the use of DNA evidence in criminal trials. Essential Forensic DNA ReadingForensic DNA Typing, Second Edition: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers By John M. Butler
Editorial Review An exceptionally comprehensive reference, touching on every relevant aspect of current forensic DNA typing practice...will serve many practitioners and students of forensic DNA typing as a single source reference...It is hard to think of a topic in forensic DNA typing that is not treated in the book...A final point is that the book is a phenomenal bargain in this day and age at around $80 a copy. (Journal of Forensic Sciences) See following link for more details: Forensic DNA Typing, Second Edition: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers Quality Forensic DNA Resources
LearningSpace is a truly remarkable resource from the Open University that provides free and open educational resources for learners and educators around the world. Among the very impressive educational modules available is one entitled 'What is the Genome Made of?' Here you can learn about the chemical structure of DNA, How DNA is replicated, chromosome structure and DNA replication. Click Here To Access This Brilliant Free Resource
Outstanding resource put together by the BBC in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA by Francis Crick and James Watson. Highlights include: DNA Timeline Click Here to find out the major historical developments in DNA. DNA: How It Works Click Here for a graphical guide to how DNA carries the code for life. DNA In 3D Click Here to see the famous double helix from every possible angle. DNA 50 Homepage Click Here to visit the main DNA 50 homepage. More From The BBC Click Here to watch a fascinating news report relating to the first use of DNA profiling within a criminal investiation.
Excellent website produced in conjunction with the Dolan DNA Learning Center. Highlights include a very useful glossary index (see foot of page) and details of how DNA fingerprinting was used in a real murder investigation (see the human identification section under applications). Click Here to visit the DNA Interactive homepage.
The Innocence Project is a national litigation and public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing. The official website includes detailed case information, news and resources. Click Here to visit the innocence project homepage. Go From Forensic DNA Back To The Home Page 
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