Advancements in Forensic DNA Analysis

This textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate students discusses advancements in forensic DNA analysis since early texts were published. It presents conventional and latest serological and molecular biological methods for body fluid identification. This book also describes the applications and advantages of next-generation sequencing (NGS) compared to conventional methods in forensic DNA analysis. It also defines the growing importance, techniques, and applications for the analysis of non-human DNA in forensic sciences. Further, the book examines the role of DNA databases in forensic interpretation and criminal investigations. Towards the end, this textbook reviews the application of forensic DNA technology in analyzing real-time casework samples and presents the guidelines, ethical issues, and other challenges of forensic DNA analysis. This textbook is an essential resource for students and practitioners interested in gaining knowledge of up-to-date forensic techniques and their applications in forensic DNA analysis.

Dr. Hirak Ranjan Dash is an Assistant Professor of Forensic Biology and Biotechnology at National Forensic Sciences University, India. Before joining academics, he has worked as a Forensic DNA expert at Forensic Science Laboratory, Madhya Pradesh, India. He has examined more than 1000 cases by DNA fingerprinting technique. His research interests include DNA fingerprinting, Microbial forensics, microbiome analysis, Next Generation Sequencing, and mtDNA analysis. He has published more than 40 research papers in various peer-reviewed journals. He has written 10 books in various fields of Biotechnology. He is a life member and served as reviewer for various International journals. He is the pioneer worker from India on NGS based forensic DNA analysis. He is featured in the list of top 2% scientists of the world for 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Dr. Kelly M. Elkins is a Professor of Chemistry at Towson University, USA, founding co-editor-in-chief of an international journal, and former Director of the Forensic Science Program at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. She is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and American Chemical Society. Her research interests include improving DNA recovery, applying forensic DNA typing to historic human remains, development of assays for bioterror agents, detection and identification of novel psychoactive substances and plant drugs, and ethics in forensic science. She has published more than 60 book chapters and research papers in peer-reviewed journals and 7 books on various topics in forensic chemistry and forensic biology. She has consulted on paternity, unidentified human remains, and other unsolved cases. Her work has been funded by numerous agencies and she was featured in the list of top 2% scientists of the world for 2019.

Dr. Noora R. Al-Snan is an enthusiastic DNA analyst who has joined Ministry of Interior (MOI), in General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science, FSL (Bahrain) in 2008. Currently assigned as the head of Biology & DNA Forensic Lab. In 2019, she has completed her PhD degree in molecular medicine specializing in medical genetics in the topic of DNA typing for the Bahraini population under the supervision of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) with the cooperation of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences – NAUSS - (Riyadh, KSA). In 2012, she has received her MSc degree in medical biotechnology specializing in genetic engineering for recombinant proteins from AGU. She has completed a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and biochemistry studies from Kuwait University (Kuwait). In her 15 years of forensic experience, she has analyzed and solved many challenging cases mainly related to terrorism, robbery and murder. Dr. Noora has joined many conferences and workshops as a speaker and delegated from Ministry of Interior  (MOI). She has achieved many outstanding results along with her team as obtained the 1^st position worldwide for DNA hit of the year (2023) in bomb cases and previously (2017) awarded the 5th position worldwide from the same organization: The Gordon Thomas Honeywell DNA during the HIDS Conference. In addition, one of the published scientific papers was the most frequent downloaded paper in Molecular Genetics and Genomics. Also, she is corresponding author for several scientific papers and books and international reviewer for many published articles. Al-Snan is a member of scientific committee in NAUSS and as well as in ISFG and ISFG Arabic speaking group. She has set innovative protocols regarding recovery of DNA from RDX-C4 evidence, Forensic DNA intelligence, fast and effective DNA extraction from teeth, bones and maggots and has innovative strategy to obtain investigative leads from homozygous loci count. Her main interests are investing in human resources, continuous education, and R&D.