* Provides a comprehensive overview of modern forensic molecular technologies. * Explores the growing debate on the applications of national DNA databases. * Discusses the initial phases of investigation to the conclusion of cases involving molecular forensic analysis. .

Preface.

List of contributors.

1. Current and Future Trends In Forensic Molecular Biology (Simon J. Walsh).

2. Basic Tools and Techniques in Molecular Biology (Ralph Rapley and David Whitehouse).

3. Automated DNA Extraction Techniques for Forensic Analysis (Marion Nagy).

4. Real Time Quantitative PCR in Forensic Science (Antonio Alonso  and Oscar García).

5. Minisatellite and Microsatellite DNA Typing Analysis (Keiji Tamaki).

6. Application of SNPs in Forensic Casework (Claus Bøersting, Juan J. Sanchez and Niels Morling).

7. The X Chromosome in the Forensic Science: Past, Present and Future (Reinhard Szibor).

8. Mitochondrial Analysis in Forensic Science (Hirokazu Matsuda and Nobuhiro Yukawa).

9. Y-Chromosomal Markers in Forensic Genetics (Manfred Kayser).

10. Laser Microdissection in Forensic Science (Luigi Saravo, Davide Di Martino, Nicola Stati, Carlo Romano, Enrico Di Luise, Dario Piscitello, Salvatore Spitaleri, Ernesto Ginestra, Ignazio Ciuna, Fabio Quadrana, Beniamino Leo, Giuseppe Giuffré and Giovannie Tuccari).

11. Laboratory Information Systems for Forensic Analysis of DNA Evidence (Benoît Leclair and Tom Scholl).

12. Statistical Presentation of Forensic Data (Mark A. Best).

13. Protein Profiling for Forensic and Biometrics Applications (Mikhail Soloviev, Julian Bailes, Nina Salata and Paul Finch).

14. Application of MRS in Forensic Pathology (Eva Scheurer, Michael Ith and Chris Boesch).

Index.

  Molecular Forensics offers a comprehensive coverage of the increasingly important role that molecular analysis plays within forensic science. Starting with a broad introduction of modern forensic molecular technologies, the text covers key issues from the initial scenes of crime sampling to the use of evidential material in the prosecution of legal cases. The book also explores the questions raised by the growing debate on the applications of national DNA databases and the resulting challenges of developing, maintaining and curating such vast data structures. The broader range of applications to non-human cases is also discussed, as are the statistical pitfalls of using so-called unique data such as DNA profiles, and the ethical considerations of national DNA databases.

An invaluable reference for students taking courses within the Forensic and Biomedical sciences, and also useful for practitioners in the field looking for a broad overview of the subject.

• Provides a comprehensive overview of modern forensic molecular technologies.

• Explores the growing debate on the applications of national DNA databases.

• Discusses the initial phases of investigation to the conclusion of cases involving molecular forensic analysis.