Forensic DNA Analysis Research Articles

The Role of Forensic Medicine in Modern Criminal Justice: A Review of Current Practices and Innovations

Forensic medicine plays a pivotal role in modern criminal justice by providing scientific insights that aid in solving crimes, identifying victims, and ensuring the accurate administration of justice. This review examines the current practices in forensic medicine, including autopsies, toxicology, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology, highlighting their applications in various criminal cases. Technological innovations, such as advanced DNA technologies, digital forensics, and forensic imaging, have significantly enhanced the field, improving accuracy and efficiency in investigations. The review also addresses challenges faced by forensic medicine, including issues of accuracy, resource constraints, and ethical considerations surrounding privacy and consent. The integration of artificial intelligence and portable forensic devices is explored as part of the ongoing evolution within the field. By analyzing the impact of these advancements on case resolutions, exonerations, and crime prevention, this article underscores the critical role of forensic medicine in the justice system and discusses future directions for research and practice. The insights presented aim to inform ongoing improvements in forensic methodologies and to foster a justice system that is both scientifically rigorous and ethically responsible.

Impact of population size on population genetic analysis of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) allelic data, forensic and paternity parameters and its effect on forensic DNA analysis.

The selection of an appropriate STR allelic frequency database is the prerequisite for assessing the evidentiary value of DNA evidence. Four data sets comprising 50, 100, 200, and 500 samples were evaluated in 21 autosomal STR markers in the Indian and the Bahrain population. Allelic richness showed an increasing trend with the increase in sample size i.e., 193 and 201 (50 samples), 217 and 221 (100 samples), 255 and 238 (200 samples), and 292 and 285 (500 samples) in both the populations. TPOX and D13S317 markers did not show any increase in allele number, whereas SE33 markers showed the highest increase in both populations. With the increase in sample size, 70 (Bahrain population) and 100 (Indian population) alleles having < MAF were detected. Similarly, 37 and 47 previously undetected alleles could be detected when the sample size was increased from 50 to 500 in the Indian and Bahrain populations respectively. In the Indian population, Match probability, decreased with a 500-sample size, whereas, the PIC, PE, Heterozygosity, and PI increased with the increase in sample size. Further, database size did not show any statistical difference in the outcome of the Paternity Index value in the 50 paternity trio cases studied.

Identification of a novel SNP mutation causing drop-out alleles in a paternity test using combined nest and touch-down PCR with Sanger sequencing

Background Short tandem repeat (STR) markers are widely used in forensic DNA analysis due to their ability to provide automated and standardised typing. However, incorrect STR typing can have a significant impact on forensic outcomes. Aim In this study, we detected drop-out alleles at the SE33 locus in a putative father-son pair using the Microreader™ 28 A ID System. This result could lead to a false conclusion of non-paternity. Subjects and methods To investigate the cause of the drop-out alleles, we developed a nest and touch-down PCR program for Sanger sequencing of the SE33 locus. Subsequently, we investigated the mutation frequency in 300 unrelated individuals and reviewed the results of 429 paternity tests. Results The results showed that the frequency of the G > T mutation at this locus was less than 0.01, which is a novel and rare mutation. Our analysis revealed a novel G > T mutation in the primer-binding region of both samples, which was a rare single-nucleotide mutation site in the Chinese population. This variation was found to be responsible for the drop-out alleles observed in the samples. Conclusion Our findings have important implications for optimising primer design and constructing DNA databases for forensic analysis.

Beyond the mix: Advancements in simultaneous detection and quantification of human, dog, and cat DNA.

Animal-related crimes have increased with an increase in the number of pets worldwide, underscoring the importance of animal-related biological evidence at crime scenes. Evidence obtained in cases involving dogs and cats often includes a mixture of human and animal DNA. In this study, we developed a method using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) to simultaneously identify and quantitatively detect human, dog, and cat DNA in mixed samples. HLA-DRA was chosen as a human-specific marker, OR6D7 as a dog-specific marker, and FLAI-K as a cat-specific marker. The species specificity of each target was confirmed using 14 control DNA samples from 11 mammals and 3 birds. Sensitivity tests determined the limit of detection to be 0.0008 ng/μL for human DNA and 0.00061 ng/μL for dog and cat DNA. In the mixture test, each DNA sample was independently and accurately detected in samples containing trace amounts of all three types of DNA. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of applying ddPCR to forensic case samples from dog- and cat-related incidents. We have presented a reliable method for the accurate identification and quantification of human, dog, and cat DNA simultaneously, offering possibilities for advancements in forensic DNA analysis and related fields.

Metagenomic sequencing of CRISPRs as a new marker to aid in personal identification with low-biomass samples.

The high specificity of the human skin microbiome is expected to provide a new marker for personal identification. Metagenomic sequencing of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), which we call metaCRISPR typing, was shown to achieve personal identification accurately. However, the intra-individual variability observed in previous studies, which may be due to poor DNA yields from skin samples, has resulted in non-reproducible results. Furthermore, whether metaCRISPR typing can assist in the forensic human DNA analysis of low-biomass samples, from which the information obtained is insufficient, is unknown. In the present study, we sequenced serially diluted control streptococcal CRISPRs cloned into plasmids to determine the minimum copy number required to obtain reproducible results from metaCRISPR typing. We found that at least 102 copies of CRISPRs are necessary to obtain reproducible results. We then analyzed the skin swab samples using both metaCRISPR typing and human DNA typing. When the DNA extracted from the skin swabs was diluted, no information was obtained from six out of eight samples by human DNA typing. On the other hand, beta diversity indices of spacer sequences compared with reference samples were below 0.8 for three out of six samples, for which no information was obtained from human DNA analysis, indicating that the spacers observed in these samples were similar to those in the references. These results indicate that metaCRISPR typing may contribute to the identification of individuals from whom the samples were obtained, even in cases where human DNA yields are insufficient to perform human DNA analysis.IMPORTANCEPrevious studies have developed new personal identification methods utilizing personal differences in the skin microbiome. However, intra-individual diversity of skin microbiome may preclude the application of microbiome-based personal identification. Moreover, no study has compared microbiome-based personal identification and practical human DNA analysis. Here, we revealed that the results of metaCRISPR typing, a previously developed microbiome-based personal identification method, are stable if the copy number of the marker gene is sufficient. We then analyzed the skin swab samples using both metaCRISPR typing and human DNA analysis. Our results indicate that metaCRISPR typing may provide additional information for personal identification using low-biomass samples that cannot be used for conventional human DNA analysis.

Exploring nanopore direct sequencing performance of forensic STRs, SNPs, InDels, and DNA methylation markers in a single assay

IntroductionThe field of forensic DNA analysis has undergone rapid advancements in recent decades. The integration of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has notably expanded the forensic toolkit, moving beyond identity matching to predicting phenotypic traits and biogeographical ancestry. This shift is of particular significance in cases where conventional DNA profiling fails to identify a single suspect. Supplementing forensic analyses with estimated biological age may be valuable but involves a complex and time-consuming DNA methylation analysis. This study explores and validates the performance of a comprehensive forensic third-generation sequencing assay utilizing Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) in an adaptive and direct sequencing approach. We incorporated the most widely used forensic markers, i.e., STRs, SNPs, InDels, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and two methylation-based clock classifiers, thereby combining forensic genetic and epigenetic analysis in one single workflow. Methods and resultsIn our investigation, DNA from six anonymous individuals was sequenced using the ONT standard adaptive direct sequencing approach, reaching a mean percentage of on-target reads ranging from 6.6 % to 7.7 % per sample. ONT data was compared to standard MPS data and Illumina EPIC DNA methylation profiles. Basecalling employed recommended ONT software packages. TREAT was used for ONT-based analysis of autosomal and Y-chromosome STRs, achieving 90–92 % correct calls depending on allelic read depth thresholds. InDel analyses for two lower-quality samples proved challenging due to inadequate read depth, while the remaining four samples significantly contributed to the observed percentage markers (60.9 %) and correct calls (97.8 %). SNP analysis achieved a 98 % call rate, with only two mismatches and two missed alleles. ONT-generated DNA methylation data demonstrated Pearson’s correlation coefficients with EPIC data ranging from 0.67 to 0.97 for Horvath’s clock. Additional age-associated markers exhibited Pearson’s correlation coefficients with chronological age between 0.14 (ELOVL2) and 0.96 (FHL2) at read depths of <30 and <20, respectively. Despite excluding mtDNA from our targeted sequencing approach, adaptive proof-reading fragments covered the complete mtDNA with an average read depth of 21–72, showing 100 % concordance with reference data. DiscussionOur exploratory study using ONT adaptive sequencing for conventional forensic and age associated DNA methylation markers showed high sequencing accuracy for a significant number of markers, showcasing ONT as a promising (epi)genetic forensic method. Future studies must address three critical aspects: determining clear quantity and quality measures and detection thresholds for accuracy, optimizing input DNA quantity for forensic casework expectations, and addressing ethical considerations associated with phenotype and ancestry analysis to prevent ethnic biases.

A comprehensive evaluation of Cell Elution Method (CEM) for forensic DNA analysis from smoked cigarettes

Cigarette stubs are commonly encountered trace DNA samples at crime scenes. Standard laboratory practice typically involves direct lysis of the stub for DNA extraction, leading to the co-extraction of DNA-degrading and inhibiting constituents from smoke and tobacco. This process can result in lower-quality DNA profiles. There has been limited focus on developing specific sample processing techniques that minimize these degrading agents and inhibitors before DNA extraction, which could significantly enhance the quality of DNA profiles. This study evaluates a previously established Cell Elution Method (CEM) against the conventional Direct Lysis Method (DLM) for DNA extraction from cigarette stubs. DNA quantity, quality, and subsequent STR profiles were assessed in 80 smoked cigarette stubs, comprising both flavoured and unflavoured types. While CEM exhibited comparable DNA yield from both flavoured (0.17 ng) and unflavoured (0.19 ng) cigarettes, DLM showed significant variability in average DNA yield for unflavoured (0.05 ng) and for flavoured (0.25 ng) cigarettes. Notably, CEM-treated samples demonstrated lower Degradation Index (DI) values compared to DLM-treated ones for both the types of cigarettes. Consequently, STR profiling success rates were higher with CEM, with 95 % of flavoured and 55 % of unflavoured samples yielding informative profiles, compared to 80 % and 0 %, respectively, for DLM. In unflavoured stubs, Amelogenin marker amplification was achieved in 35 % of CEM-treated samples, significantly outperforming the 5 % success rate with DLM. Additionally, CEM resulted in higher average allele recovery rates for both flavoured (58.98 %) and unflavoured (33.41 %) samples compared to DLM. These findings indicate that CEM outperforms DLM in producing higher-quality DNA profiles from cigarette stubs. Thus, CEM can be a choice of method for processing cigarette stub prior to DNA extraction.

Application of the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer instrument as quality control for next-generation sequencing.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have expanded the spectrum of forensic DNA analysis by facilitating efficient and precise genotyping of a large number of genetic markers. Yet, challenges persist regarding complex sample processing and assurance of equal molar concentrations across pooled samples. Since optimal cluster density is crucial for sequencing performance, the determination of both quantity and quality is indispensable for library preparation. In this study, we investigated the application of the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer for library quality control, as studies for forensic approaches, particularly for highly degraded postmortem samples, are rare. Our analysis encompassed assessing total DNA concentrations, fluorescence unit (FU) values, and adapter dimer concentrations in purified DNA libraries derived from buccal swabs and tissue samples of decomposed corpses. The sensitivity study tested a serial dilution derived from buccal swabs and revealed a decrease in FU values and an increase in adapter dimers with declining DNA input concentrations. Deviations in total DNA concentrations and average peak heights between the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer runs indicated a lack of repeatability in data and presented challenges in accurate quantification, which was also observed in previous studies. Yet, the analysis of degraded samples from decomposed human remains has shown the ability to detect adapter dimer concentrations, which can be crucial for the quality of subsequent NGS library preparation and sequencing success. Therefore, the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer proves to be a valuable tool for NGS quality control.

Next generation sequencing: Forensic applications and policy considerations

AbstractNext generation sequencing (NGS) or massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is a high‐throughput technology that can be used to analyze DNA and RNA molecules with greater sensitivity, scalability, and speed than traditional Sanger sequencing. NGS systems are slowly gaining popularity in forensic science and may eventually become the future of forensic DNA analysis. The data generated can be utilized to conduct an array of forensic biology analyses such as short tandem repeats (STR) profiling, forensic genetic genealogy, predictive DNA phenotyping, and more. However, the adoption of NGS for forensic casework is associated with a lot of ethical, social, and legal concerns. This article provides a comprehensive review of NGS systems, data analysis, and forensic applications. It also provides policy considerations that aim to reduce harm and bias, while promoting informed consent, standardization, transparency, and accountability.This article is categorized under: Forensic Biology &gt; Interpretation of Biological Evidence Forensic Biology &gt; Ethical and Social Implications Forensic Biology &gt; Forensic DNA Technologies

Microbial Forensics: Comparison of MLVA Results According to NGS Methods, and Forensic DNA Analysis Using MLVA

Microbial forensics is a scientific discipline for analyzing evidence related to biological crimes by identifying the origin of microorganisms. Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis(MLVA) is one of the microbiological analysis methods used to specify subtypes within a species based on the number of tandem repeat in the genome, and advances in next generation sequencing(NGS) technology have enabled &lt;i&gt;in silico&lt;/i&gt; anlysis of full-length whole genome sequences. In this paper, we analyzed unknown samples provided by Robert Koch Institute(RKI) through The United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism(UNSGM)’s external quality assessment exercise(EQAE) project, which we officially participated in 2023. We confirmed that the 3 unknown samples were &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt; through nucleic acid isolation and genetic sequence analysis studies. MLVA results on 32 loci of &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt; were analysed by using genome sequences obtained from NGS(NextSeq and MinION) and Sanger sequencing. The MLVA typing using short-reads based NGS platform(NextSeq) showed a high probability of causing assembly error when a size of the tandem repeats was grater than 200 bp, while long-reads based NGS platform(MinION) showed higher accuracy than NextSeq, although insertion and deletion was observed. We also showed hybrid assembly can correct most indel error caused by MinION. Based on the MLVA results, genetic identification was performed compared to the 2,975 published MLVA databases of &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt;, and MLVA results of 10 strains were identical with 3 unkonwn samples. As a result of whole genome alignment of the 10 strains and 3 unknown samples, all samples were identified as &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt; strain A4564 which is associated with injectional anthrax isolates in heroin users.

A Lateral Flow Biosensor Based on Isothermal Amplification for Visual Identification of Species and Sex from Bloodstain.

The prompt species identification from biological samples at a crime scene can rapidly filter out truly valuable biometric information for subsequent personal identification. Meanwhile, early sex determination can assist in narrowing the pool of suspects. However, the current methods for forensic DNA analysis, particularly in point-of-care scenarios, are often limited by the intricate equipment for signal generation and the laborious procedure for DNA purification. The present study introduces a novel portable lateral flow biosensor that possesses extraction-free and anti-aerosol characteristics for on-site determination of species and sex. The bloodstain can be directly submitted to loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the analysis of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. The incorporation of a lateral flow device with gold magnetic nanoparticle probes allows for visual interpretation of results through colorimetric signals while also preventing interference on result judgment from pigments such as hemoglobin. Carryover contamination, which is a disharmonious factor in LAMP, especially as the inherent contradiction derived from uncapping in the lateral flow strategy, has been effectively addressed through the integration of uracil DNA glycosylase without compromising the isothermy throughout the process. As a proof-of-concept experiment, species and sex can be accurately identified within 40 min from trace bloodstains amidst significant background interference by targeting cytochrome b and Y-chromosomal amelogenin. Furthermore, the single-blind study revealed a concordance rate of up to 100% in both simulative degraded and true dated bloodstains. This suggests that this biosensor has the potential to be utilized in forensic DNA analysis at crime scenes.

Advancements in differentiation between sperm cells and epithelial cells for efficient forensic DNA analysis in sexual assault cases.

Most of the sexual assault casework samples are of mixed sources. Forensic DNA laboratories are always in the requirement of a precise technique for the efficient separation of sperm and non-sperm DNA from mixed samples. Since the introduction of the differential extraction technique in 1985, it has seen significant advancements in the form of either chemicals used or modification of incubation times. Several automated and semi-automated techniques have also adopted the fundamentals of conventional differential extraction techniques. However, lengthy incubation, several manual steps, and carryover over non-sperm material in sperm fraction are some of the major limitations of this technique. Advanced cell separation techniques have shown huge promise in separating sperm cells from a mixture based on their size, shape, composition, and membrane structure and antigens present on sperm membranes. Such advanced techniques such as DEParray, ADE, FACS, LCM, HOT and their respective pros and cons have been discussed in this article. As current-day forensic techniques should be as per the line of Olympic slogan i.e., faster, higher, stronger, the advanced cell separation techniques show a huge potential to be implemented in the casework samples.

The Application and Regulation of DNA Identification Technology in Criminal Justice

In addition to being often utilized to identify criminal activity, forensic DNA analysis is also frequently employed in civil disputes to prove the paternity of disputed children. Affiliation orders, divorce processes, and instances of questioned legitimacy are where the bulk of cases involving challenged paternity occur. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Low enforcement has benefited from the use of DNA testing to identify perpetrators and solve complex crimes like rape and murder with rape. Computerized DNA databases for the identification of criminal criminals have been developed in several countries, making it feasible to identify people quickly in mass disasters using DNA typing. With the exception of identical twins, no two individuals have the same DNA, making DNA a formidable investigative tool. To put it another way, each person's DNA is distinct because the sequence or order of the DNA building blocks varies depending on the location within the cell. In criminal investigative instances, DNA is also quite significant. The science of DNA identification is examined in this essay, as well as its use in both civil and criminal cases. Analysis of the legislation pertaining to various countries is also included. The Indian Evidence Act of 1872 and the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973 do not have any explicit rules to address forensic science concerns, despite the fact that DNA has a significant role to play in criminal investigation cases including murder, rape, contested paternity, man - made catastrophe, etc. In this essay, the science of DNA identification and its application to criminal investigations, trials, appeals, and post - conviction actions are studied. It discusses the key advantages and disadvantages of the growing use of DNA identification in the criminal justice system, with a focus on India.

Identification of individuals from low template blood samples using whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing

Biological trace samples consisting of very few cells pose a challenge to conventional forensic genetic DNA analysis. RNA may be an alternative to DNA when handling low template samples. Whereas each cell only contains two copies of an autosomal DNA segment, the transcriptome retains much of the genomic variation replicated in abundant RNA fragments. In this study, we describe the development of a prototype RNA-based SNP selection set for forensic human identification from low template samples (50 pg gDNA). Whole blood from a subset of the Danish population (41 individuals) and blood stains subjected to degradation at room temperature for up to two weeks were analysed by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing. Concordance was determined by DNA genotyping with the Infinium Omni5–4 SNP chip. In the 100 protein-coding genes with the most reads, 5214 bi-allelic SNPs with gnomAD minor allele frequencies > 0.1 in the African/African American, East Asian, and (non-Finnish) European populations were identified. Of these, 24 SNPs in 21 genes passed screening in whole blood and degraded blood stains, with a resulting mean match probability of 4.5 ∙ 10−9. Additionally, ancestry informative SNPs and SNPs in genes useful for body fluid identification were identified in the transcriptome. Consequently, shotgun sequencing of RNA from low template samples may be used for a vast host of forensic genetics purposes, including simultaneous human and body fluid identification, leading to direct donor identification in the identified body fluid.

An Extensive Analysis of Contemporary Studies Forensics Sciences in India

: Forensic science in India has evolved over 100 years, with the first official laboratory being the Calcutta Forensic Science Laboratory in Kolkata founded in 1952. Modernization has led to the establishment of numerous central, state, and regional forensic laboratories and advancements in technology such as DNA profiling, pathology, forensic toxicology, and forensic anthropology. As the need for forensic education in India increases, educational institutions and universities have started offering forensic science as a subject. India has collaborated with international forensic organizations to stay updated on global developments. Contemporary studies in forensic sciences are crucial for adapting to technological advancements, addressing emerging crimes, improving DNA analysis, promoting interdisciplinary approaches, and maintaining quality assurance and standards. Forensic science plays a significant role in the humanitarian efforts, including the identification of missing people and victims of mass disasters. Advanced imaging techniques are crucial in forensic investigations. Indian forensic science education is divided into undergraduate and postgraduate programs, offering bachelor's degrees and specialized courses in areas like forensic toxicology, DNA analysis, and digital forensics.

Environmental Factors Affecting the Concentration of DNA in Blood and Saliva Stains: A Review

DNA evidence has now become an essential part of forensic investigations since it offers vital information for person identification and crime resolution. However, the biological material is affected by some environmental factors which may impact the DNA in biological samples. This may affect the correctness and reliability of forensic DNA analysis. This review is related to the influence of various environmental conditions on the stability and degradation of DNA in biological stains including blood and saliva stains. The common factors that affect DNA are temperature, humidity, exposure to sunlight, and type of substrate. The information is crucial to improve forensic DNA analysis and forensic protocol optimization. The DNA stability and integrity in biological materials, such as blood and saliva stains, are indispensable for forensic DNA analysis. Environmental influences, however, significantly affect DNA concentration and may jeopardize forensic analysis. The present review explores various environmental factors for their effect on DNA stability in blood and saliva stains. While DNA degradation is slowed but not completely prevented by low temperatures, it is accelerated by high temperatures. Risks of contamination arise from the promotion of microbial growth and DNA breakdown by humidity. DNA photodamage brought on by sunlight exposure results in strand breakage and cross-linking. DNA stability is also influenced by the type of substrate used; porous surfaces, such as cloth, are better at keeping fluids than non-porous ones, such as glass. Maintaining the integrity of DNA evidence requires an understanding of these variables. The present studies will help to create sophisticated DNA preservation methods for use in forensic DNA examination. The study emphasizes the requirement of improvement in forensic DNA analysis skills, related to the preservation of DNA pieces of evidence and the possible effect of environmental factors.

Enzymatic removal of Numts from Panthera tigris DNA samples

Forensic mitochondrial DNA analysis is a vital investigative tool for wildlife casework, but numts continue to complicate DNA analysis. A major goal of wildlife forensic DNA analysis is to identify non-human biological evidence to its taxonomic source. Species identification is accomplished by sequencing genetic markers on the mitochondrial genome and comparing evidentiary sequence data to published reference sequences. Due to the high level of sequence similarity between mitochondrial genes and numts, current sequencing methods result in co-amplification of the target gene marker and non-target numt. Co-amplification of target and non-target loci results in ambiguous nucleotide calls in sequence data. Reducing the influence of numts during sequence analysis will provide a technique that will maximize accuracy and minimize error in taxonomic identifications. To overcome the analytical burden of numts, we studied the enzymatic removal of numts using exonuclease V. To evaluate the feasibility of exonuclease V as a numt removal method, total Panthera tigris DNA was extracted from blood and liver and divided into three treatment groups: untreated, 1st digest, and 2nd digest. For the untreated sample, 7.6 % of the 620 bp sequence data was classified as ambiguous. Following treatment, all samples demonstrated a reduction in ambiguous calls: liver-1st digest (48 h): 6.6 %, liver-2nd digest (48 h + 16 h): 1.8 %, and blood-1st digest (48 h): 0 %. Based on this preliminary study, exonuclease V treatment effectively removed numts before sequencing analysis. While exonuclease V treatment has demonstrated potential, additional studies are required to optimize the reaction and fully validate the methodology.

Opt-in or out? Public perspectives on forensic DNA kinship investigations within the Dutch-speaking community

Forensic DNA kinship investigation involves analyzing genetic relationships between individuals to offer new leads for solving (cold) cases. Familial DNA matching has become a valuable asset in criminal case investigations, especially when traditional DNA methods hit dead ends. However, concerns surrounding ethical and privacy implications raised questions about its implementation and acceptance among the general public. The present study investigated the public perspectives regarding forensic DNA kinship investigations among 1710 Dutch-speaking Belgians using an online cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire consisted of three categories, including personal information, DNA knowledge, and their opinion on several familial DNA searching and investigative genetic genealogy related questions. The participants' average DNA knowledge score was 71 %, indicating a relatively high level of understanding of DNA-related concepts. Remarkably, the study revealed that 92 % of the participants expressed willingness to cooperate as a volunteer in a forensic DNA kinship investigation, irrespective of their scientific background or educational level. Key factors influencing participation included assurance of painless sampling and robust privacy safeguards. Participants lacking familiarity with DNA hesitated more towards participating in forensic DNA analysis, referring to "the fear of the unknown". Despite ethical and privacy concerns, the highly positive attitude towards forensic DNA analysis reflects a level of empathy and willingness to contribute to the pursuit of justice. Nearly all participants (95 %) agreed to use online DNA databases for resolving violent crimes with forensic genetic genealogy, but half emphasized the need for prior informed consent, referring to the current “opt-in” system. The results underscore the need for stringent regulations and ethical oversight to ensure the responsible use of genetic data while striking a balance between public safety and the protection of individuals' privacy rights. These findings add to the growing body of evidence regarding the potential benefits of forensic DNA kinship matching as a tool in criminal investigations, suggesting its potential future utilization and legalization.

A panel of tetranucleotide STR markers as an alternative approach to forensic DNA identification of wolf and dog.

Commercial panels of microsatellite (STR) loci are focused on the use of DNA of the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and are often inapplicable for genotyping the DNA of the gray wolf (Canis lupus lupus). We propose a CPlex test system, including one hexa- and 12 tetranucleotide autosomal STR loci, as well as two sex loci, that is equally efficient in DNA identification of biological samples of the wolf and the dog. Analysis of molecular variance between samples revealed significant differentiation values (FST = 0.0784, p < 0.001), which allows to use the panel to differentiate wolf and dog samples. Population subdivision coefficients (θ-values) were calculated for each of the 13 STR loci of the developed test system. It was shown that the values of the genotype frequency for dogs and wolves, without and with considering the θ-value, differ by three orders of magnitude (for dogs 8.9 × 10-16 and 2.1 × 10-14 and for wolves 1.9 × 10-15 and 4.5 × 10-14, respectively). The use of population subdivision coefficients will allow to identify the most reliable results of an expert identification study and the power of exclusion provided by the STR loci of the CPlex test system makes it possible to achieve a reliable level of evidence in forensic DNA analysis of both wolves and dogs. The test system has been validated for use in forensic identification of the dog and wolf based on biological traces found at crime scenes, as well as for individual identification and establishing biological relationship of animals of these species.

4th International Conference on Forensic Sciences, Forensic Medicine and Criminology 2023 (INFOMEC 4.0)

The INFOMEC 2023 organized by the Management and Science University (MSU) is proud to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the International Conference on Forensic Science, Forensic Medicine, and Criminology. This is a premier gathering of experts from around the world who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest advancements and techniques in the field. The conference features a diverse range of topics related to forensic science, forensic medicine, and criminology, including forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, forensic DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, forensic psychology, and criminal profiling, among others. Participants will have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations, poster sessions, and network with colleagues and peers from academia, government, and industry. The conference is an excellent platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to present their research findings and gain valuable feedback from experts in the field. Overall, the International Conference on Forensic Science, Forensic Medicine, and Criminology is an essential event for anyone involved in the fields of forensic science, forensic medicine, and criminology, providing an opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, and contribute to the advancement of the field.