Recovering DNA from challenging forensic evidence in forensic genomics

New Rochelle, NY, July 19, 2021–Duct tape and items retrieved from the water are common pieces of evidence in forensic cases. A new study evaluates the recovery of DNA from folded duct tape that has been submerged in ocean water for up to 2 weeks. The study is published in the peer-reviewed journal Forensic Genomics. Click here to read the article now.

Joseph Donfack, PhD, from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory Division, and coauthors showed that it is possible to recover enough DNA to yield a complete short tandem repeat (STR) profile from folded duct tape that has been submerged in ocean water for up to 2 weeks if the initial amount of cellular material is sufficient. They concluded that “the durability and adhesive nature of duct tape seem to provide protection to cellular material on its surface while submerged in aqueous environments.”

Also published in the current issue of Forensic Genomics is the article entitled “Genes, Race, Ancestry and Identity in Forensic Anthropology: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Concerns,” by Amy Michael, PhD, University of New Hampshire, Jennifer Bengtson, PhD, Southeast Missouri State University, and Samantha Blatt, PhD, Idaho State University. “As anthropologists who collaborate with Forensic Genomics experts, we are interested in considering how debates within anthropological circles might inform–or be informed by–detailed biogeographical ancestry estimates generated as part of forensic genomic analyses,” state the authors. “In this article, we summarize the history of the race concept in anthropology and contemporary debates about ancestry estimation occurring more specifically among forensic anthropologists.” The proper assessment of biogeographical ancestry can be key for identifying unknown persons from forensic evidence.

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Forensic Genomics is a new peer-reviewed journal that addresses how advances in genetic testing and genomic analysis can enable investigators to break through previously impenetrable forensic DNA barriers. Led by Editor-in-Chief David Mittelman, PhD, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Othram, Inc., the Journal focuses on the use of DNA testing technologies, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and genealogical research methods to support human identification using inference tools and inductive reasoning. Forensic Genomics aims to accelerate the validation and adoption of new methods to support investigations that would be otherwise stalled with traditional testing methods. For complete information, visit the Forensic Genomics website.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry’s most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm’s 90 journals, newsmagazines, and books is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.