Source Level Attribution: DNA Profiling from the ABAcard® HemaTrace® Kit

ABAcard® HemaTrace® kits have been used for crime scene stains for confirmation of human blood for many years. However, when the stain is too small to allow for separate testing, confirmatory testing may be forgone to preference DNA analysis. This can lead to court challenges as to the biological source and therefore probative value of the DNA profile. This research aimed to develop a protocol for DNA analysis of a minute blood stain subsequent to HemaTrace® testing. Stains were collected and subjected to HemaTrace® testing. Swabs were then removed from the HemaTrace® buffer solution and processed. DNA yields and STR DNA profiles were analysed for both quantity and quality. Full profiles were reliably obtained from stains with diameters of 0.6 mm–0.7 mm, reflecting DNA concentrations between 0.0036 ng/μL and 0.007 ng/μL, varying according to substrate characteristics. However, stains below a diameter of 0.6 mm should proceed directly for DNA profiling. This protocol was also successfully performed on blood stains which had undergone UV irradiation, although use of the reporting peak height threshold (lower than the routine analytical threshold) was required to obtain useable profiles. We have been able to demonstrate a protocol which, with minor adjustments to crime scene procedures, allows for both the confirmation of the presence of human blood, together with the generation of useful DNA profiles.

Download Full-text

Innocent until proven guilty: Privacy-preserving search over a central CODIS criminal database from the field

10.1101/2020.06.22.164095 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jacob A. Blindenbach ◽

Karthik A. Jagadeesh ◽

Gill Bejerano ◽

David J. Wu

Keyword(s):

Justice System ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Crime Scene ◽

The United States ◽

Dna Index ◽

Dna Profile ◽

Cryptographic Algorithm ◽

Forensic Samples ◽

Dna Profiles ◽

Database Match

AbstractThe presumption of innocence (i.e., the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty) is a cornerstone of the criminal justice system in many countries, including the United States. DNA analysis is an important tool for criminal investigations1. In the U.S. alone, it has already aided in over half a million investigations using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and associated DNA databases2. CODIS includes DNA profiles of crime scene forensic samples, convicted offenders, missing persons and more. The CODIS framework is currently used by over 50 other countries3 including much of Europe, Canada, China and more. During investigations, DNA samples can be collected from multiple individuals who may have had access to, or were found near a crime scene, in the hope of finding a single criminal match4. Controversially, CODIS samples are sometimes retained from adults and juveniles despite not yielding any database match4–6. Here we introduce a cryptographic algorithm that finds any and all matches of a person’s DNA profile against a CODIS database without revealing anything about the person’s profile to the database provider. With our protocol, matches are immediately identified as before; however, individuals who do not match anything in the database retain their full privacy. Our novel algorithm runs in 40 seconds on a CODIS database of 1,000,000 entries, enabling its use to privately screen potentially-innocent suspects even in the field.

Download Full-text

Evocation of DNA from the Blood Sample Mixed with Road Concrete- A Forensic Review

International Journal of Forensic Research ◽

10.33140/ijfr.01.01.09 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Keyword(s):

Humic Acid ◽

Blood Sample ◽

Biological Sample ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Crime Scene ◽

Dna Profiling ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Str Analysis ◽

Dna Profile ◽

Soil Particles

Several types of biological samples are recovered in different conditions in various types of crimes. Sometimes, due to mishandling of the evidence they do not produce good results. Blood is a common type of biological sample found at crime scene involving hitand-run, murder and various sexual assaults, etc. In the cases such as hit and run, the blood gets mixed up with the soil and act as resistance in obtaining proper DNA profiling of a victim or a suspect. The advanced technologies for DNA profiling like STR analysis help in the identification of a criminal even if there is not much quantity of biological sample from the crime scene. But non-scientific procedure of blood collection and preservation reduces the chances of amplification of DNA. Additionally, in many outdoor cases blood sample contaminated with soil becomes problematic because of the presence of humic acid in soil. Humic acid inhibits the amplification of DNA and leads to unsuccessful profiling of DNA. The inhibitors in the samples act as obstacle in the cases where blood is lifted from the surface of earth and lead to the unsuccessful DNA analysis. PCR artifacts like partial profiles, multi-peaks, or complete failure of DNA profile can be seen in STR profiles obtained from contaminated samples. In this study, we reviewed the blood samples recovered from different surfaces (wall of plaster, cemented floor pieces, black road concrete) over a period of 5 to 36 months. This study concludes that the sample containing less soil particles yield DNA higher than the samples containing high amount of soil particles.

Download Full-text

Autosomal STR Profiling and Databanking in Malaysia: Current Status and Future Prospects

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes11101112 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 1112

Author(s):

Hashom Mohd Hakim ◽

Hussein Omar Khan ◽

Japareng Lalung ◽

Bryan Raveen Nelson ◽

Geoffrey Keith Chambers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tandem Repeats ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Dna Profiling ◽

Individual Identification ◽

Current Status ◽

Weight Of Evidence ◽

Forensic Dna ◽

Kinship Analysis ◽

Forensic Dna Analysis ◽

Dna Profiles

Science and technology are extensively used in criminal investigation. From the mid- to late-1980s, one of the scientific discoveries that has had a particularly remarkable impact on this field has been the use of highly variable DNA sequence regions (minisatellites) in the human genome for individual identification. The technique was initially referred to as DNA fingerprinting, but is now more widely referred to as DNA profiling. Since then, many new developments have occurred within this area of science. These include the introduction of new genetic markers (microsatellites also known as short tandem repeats/STRs), the use of the polymerase chain reaction for target amplification, the development of DNA databases (databanking), and the advancement and/or improvement of genotyping protocols and technologies. In 2019, we described the progress of DNA profiling and DNA databanking in Malaysia for the first time. This report included information on DNA analysis regulations and legislation, STR genotyping protocols, database management, and accreditation status. Here, we provide an update on the performance of our DNA databank (numbers of DNA profiles and hits) plus the technical issues associated with correctly assigning the weight of evidence for DNA profiles in an ethnically diverse population, and the potential application of rapid DNA testing in the country. A total of 116,534 DNA profiles were obtained and stored in the Forensic DNA Databank of Malaysia (FDDM) by 2019, having increased from 70,570 in 2017. The number of hits increased by more than three-fold in just two years, where 17 and 69 hits between the DNA profiles stored in the FDDM and those from crime scenes, suspects, detainees, drug users, convicts, missing persons, or volunteers were recorded in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Forensic DNA analysis and databanking are thus progressing well in Malaysia and have already contributed to many criminal investigations. However, several other issues are discussed here, including the need for STR population data for uncharacterized population groups, and pilot trials for adopting rapid DNA profiling technology. These aspects should be considered by policy makers and law enforcement agencies in order to increase the reliability and efficiency of DNA profiling in criminal cases and in kinship analysis in Malaysia.

Download Full-text

DNA Profiling Bill 2007: Parliament of the Republic of India, New Delhi

Journal of International Biotechnology Law ◽

10.1515/jibl.2008.12 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

Keyword(s):

Dna Analysis ◽

Data Bank ◽

Dna Profiling ◽

New Delhi ◽

Sensitive Information ◽

Administration Of Justice ◽

Biological Relationship ◽

Civil Proceeding ◽

The Republic ◽

Dna Profiles

The Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) analysis of body substances is a powerful technology that makes it possible to determine whether the source of origin of one body substance is identical to that of another, and further to establish the biological relationship, if any, between two individuals, living or dead without any doubt. With the objective to enhance protection of people in the society and administration of justice, analysis of DNA found at the scene of crime, of the victim or offender has been used to establish identity. The DNA analysis offers sensitive information which, if, misused can cause harm to person or society. There is, thus, need to regulate the use of DNA Profiles through an Act passed by the Parliament only for Lawful purposes of establishing identity in a criminal or civil proceeding and for other specified purposes.In order to achieve this objective, it will be essential to establish standards for laboratories, staff qualifications, training, proficiency testing, collection of body substances, custody trail from collection to reporting and a Data Bank with policies of use and access to information therein, its retention and deletion. DNA Data Bank Manager will supervise, execute and maintain this system and a DNA Profiling Board of eminent scientists, administrators and Law enforcement officers will administer and carry out other functions assigned to it under this Act. The proposed Legislation, therefore, be enacted keeping the above objectives in view.

Download Full-text

Empirical approaches to improving the use of DNA in crime scene investigative practice

International Journal of Police Science & Management ◽

10.1177/1461355716688921 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 54-60

Author(s):

Paul A Smith ◽

Simon Mound ◽

Natasha Brown ◽

Roxy Leonard ◽

Carolyn Lovell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Analysis ◽

Service Providers ◽

Crime Scene ◽

Dna Profiling ◽

Research Project ◽

Collaborative Project ◽

Forensic Service ◽

Collaborative Team ◽

Empirical Approaches ◽

Crime Scenes

This article reports on a collaborative project that explored the targeted use of swabbing evidence sources which, up until now, have not been routinely recovered or utilised for DNA analysis. All genres of the forensic portfolio have undergone significant changes driven by economic, political and technological influencers, which have resulted in an array of interpretations on its frontline delivery, often based on local requirements. The approach reported here pertains to a research project bringing together a collaborative team of researchers, representing practitioners and academics, working in conjunction with forensic service providers. The project reviewed the process of swabbing glove marks at crime scenes, comparing the methods used with DNA profiling outcomes. The findings showed significant benefits in regards to DNA outcomes, providing six detections over a four-month period that were attributable to the swabbing of the glove marks. Furthermore, the study provided key data to guide practice and crime scene methods to meet new operational requirements.

Download Full-text

A Systems Security Analysis of Issuance and Verification of Birth Documents Enhanced with DNA Profiles

Journal of Interconnection Networks ◽

10.1142/s0219265917400035 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 17 (01) ◽

pp. 1740003

Author(s):

MARK F. TANNIAN ◽

CHRISTINA SCHWEIKERT ◽

YING LIU

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Security Analysis ◽

Birth Certificate ◽

Birth Certificates ◽

Security Measures ◽

Dna Profile ◽

Processing Times ◽

Systems Security ◽

Dna Profiles

The use of biometrics to enhance identification has been explored and utilized to various extents. DNA is the most reliable and stable biometric that remains unchanged throughout an individual’s lifetime. Advancements in DNA analysis, in terms of reduced cost and faster processing times, make the use of DNA as a biometric more feasible over time. Since DNA data is of a sensitive nature, privacy and ethical concerns would have to be carefully considered before large-scale adoption for use in identity documents. Birth certificates are a fundamental document used by a person for identification. However, it does not contain any means of authentication beyond possession of the document. This paper examines the security measures that would be required if birth certificates were embedded with DNA profile information. The U.S. FBI CODIS approach is referred to, being an established standard for human DNA profiling and identification. Effects on the issuance and verification network for birth certificate documents are explored, in addition to the security threats.

Download Full-text

The Use of DNA Profiling in Identifying Murderers and Sexual Abusers: A Case Report

Arab Journal of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Medicine ◽

10.26735/jkmf6986 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 118-127

Author(s):

Nasir Siddique ◽

Muhammad Amjad ◽

Qazi L. Ahmad ◽

Saleem U. Shahid ◽

Mohammad A. Tahir

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Case Report ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Dna Profiling ◽

Post Mortem ◽

Dead Body ◽

Forensic Dna ◽

Forensic Dna Analysis ◽

Dna Profile ◽

Police Station

A first information report was registered at Police Station of Faisalabad District, Pakistan. A boy (7-8 years old) went to a nearby shop and went missing. He was last seen with the accused suspect on a motorcycle as reported by eye witnesses. His naked dead body was found from nearby sugarcane fields tied with his clothing. Autopsy revealed three incised wounds on the neck. The post-mortem was done and anal swabs were used for DNA profiling. Post mortem medico legal examination indicated sexual abuse of the boy prior to being murdered. Forensic DNA analysis confirmed that the seminal material found on anal swabs of the victim belonged to the suspect. The same DNA profile was also found from the samples of nail scratch swab samples of the victim. The suspect was confirmed to be the perpetrator.

Download Full-text

Profil DNA Forensik pada Barang Bukti Dua Kasus Pembunuhan di Indonesia

Jurnal Sumberdaya Hayati ◽

10.29244/jsdh.4.2.48-56 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 48-56

Author(s):

PUJI RIANTI ◽

ELISA CRISTIN ◽

PUTUT TJAHJO WIDODO

Keyword(s):

Crime Scene ◽

Applied Science ◽

Dna Profiling ◽

International Standards ◽

Buccal Swab ◽

Blood Stains ◽

Str Markers ◽

Human Dna ◽

Dna Profiles ◽

National Police

DNA technology for profiling purposes has been used in many basic and applied science. One of the emerged applied science in genetics is it’s uses in solving crime cases. Homicide became one of highest crime cases in Indonesia. Solving its cases through DNA profiling technology using items of evidence as tool is needed. Here, we report the profiling of human DNA from several items of evidence available in the crime scene and the suspect. We used items of evidence from study cases no. 18098 and 18101, based on the legal permission of Indonesia’s National Police. We used 21 international standards of human STR markers, one sex-determining marker, one Y STR marker, and one independent Y marker to developed human alleles from tissue and blood stains left and/or shred on the victims, soap bottles, knifes, victim’s clothes and ropes as well as the buccal swab of the crime suspect. Our alleles identification matched between the victim and the crime suspect in both cases with the accuracy of DNA profiles compatibility at 99.99%. Detection of DNA profiling is depending on the evidence and time of storage which are influence by environment that can lead to the process of decayed and/or contaminated.

Download Full-text

DMSO Improves the Ski-Slope Effect in Direct PCR

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11041943 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1943

Author(s):

Joo-Young Kim ◽

Ju Yeon Jung ◽

Da-Hye Kim ◽

Seohyun Moon ◽

Won-Hae Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Sequences ◽

Pcr Amplification ◽

Analytical Techniques ◽

Direct Pcr ◽

Dna Profile ◽

Novel Technologies ◽

Specific Amplification ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Dna Profiles

Analytical techniques such as DNA profiling are widely used in various fields, including forensic science, and novel technologies such as direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification are continuously being developed in order to acquire DNA profiles efficiently. However, non-specific amplification may occur depending on the quality of the crime scene evidence and amplification methods employed. In particular, the ski-slope effect observed in direct PCR amplification has led to inaccurate interpretations of the DNA profile results. In this study, we aimed to reduce the ski-slope effect by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in direct PCR. We confirmed that DMSO (3.75%, v/v) increased the amplification yield of large-sized DNA sequences more than that of small-sized ones. Using 50 Korean buccal samples, we further demonstrated that DMSO reduced the ski-slope effect in direct PCR. These results suggest that the experimental method developed in this study is suitable for direct PCR and may help to successfully obtain DNA profiles from various types of evidence at crime scenes.

Download Full-text

Proposed Framework for Comparison of Continuous Probabilistic Genotyping Systems amongst Different Laboratories

Forensic Sciences ◽

10.3390/forensicsci1010006 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 33-45

Author(s):

Dennis McNevin ◽

Kirsty Wright ◽

Mark Barash ◽

Sara Gomes ◽

Allan Jamieson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Numerical Methods ◽

Analytical Solutions ◽

Peak Height ◽

Dna Profiling ◽

Likelihood Ratios ◽

Dna Mixtures ◽

Individual Laboratory ◽

Multiple Variables

Continuous probabilistic genotyping (PG) systems are becoming the default method for calculating likelihood ratios (LRs) for competing propositions about DNA mixtures. Calculation of the LR relies on numerical methods and simultaneous probabilistic simulations of multiple variables rather than on analytical solutions alone. Some also require modelling of individual laboratory processes that give rise to electropherogram artefacts and peak height variance. For these reasons, it has been argued that any LR produced by continuous PG is unique and cannot be compared with another. We challenge this assumption and demonstrate that there are a set of conditions defining specific DNA mixtures which can produce an aspirational LR and thereby provide a measure of reproducibility for DNA profiling systems incorporating PG. Such DNA mixtures could serve as the basis for inter-laboratory comparisons, even when different STR amplification kits are employed. We propose a procedure for an inter-laboratory comparison consistent with these conditions.

Download Full-text