Forensic Science Service

About: Forensic Science Service is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & DNA profiling. The organization has 573 authors who have published 599 publications receiving 27149 citations.

Analysis of dna

Abstract: The invention provides improved techniques for investigating DNA samples, which offers improved sensitivity and specifity. The invention provides a method of investigating single nucleotide polymorphisms in a sample of DNA, the method comprising contacting the DNA containing sample with at least one first set of primers, amplifying the DNA using those primers to give an amplified product, contacting at least a portion of the amplified product with at least one second set of primers, amplifying the DNA using those second set of primers to give a further amplified product and examining one or more characteristics of the further amplified product, one or more of the primers of the first set of primers including a locus specific portion and a further portion, the locus specific portion of one of those one or more of the primers annealing to one side of the SNP under investigation.

The Stability of Some Drugs and Poisons in Putrefying Human Liver Tissues

Abstract: The behaviour of 56 drugs and drug-related compounds containing various molecular structures was studied in putrefying human liver macerates over different periods of time. Molecular structures which were prone to putrefactive decomposition included those in which oxygen was bonded to nitrogen but not to carbon or sulphur, as in nitro groups, N-oxides and oximes; where sulphur was bonded as a "thiono" atom (CS or PS), or formed part of a heterocyclic ring; and where there was an amino-phenol structure present, i.e. OH and NH 2 on the same aryl nucleus. The stability of other structures indicated the general resistance of: carbon bonds with oxygen and nitrogen, nitrogen bonds with hydrogen, and sulphur bonds with oxygen. Putrefaction, which destroyed labile structures in 3 days to 14 days, was greatly enhanced by blowfly-borne bacteria, and this helped to explain the reports of the long-term stability of certain drugs in buried corpses which had been insulated from blowfly contact by interment.

The effectiveness of protective clothing in the reduction of potential DNA contamination of the scene of crime.

Abstract: The use of ultra-sensitive low copy number (LCN) DNA typing allows the analysis of picogram amounts of DNA. Trace evidence accidentally left at a scene of crime (SOC) by the investigating team may be inadvertently collected and analysed, potentially leading to spurious evidence being introduced into the criminal investigation. A series of experiments were undertaken to determine the extent to which an investigator could contribute to any DNA contamination of a scene of crime under different simulated activities. Further, the degree to which any contamination was reduced by the use of commercially available protective clothing was demonstrated. Precautions that should routinely be taken at a scene of crime to reduce the risk of DNA contamination are recommended.