More comprehensive forensic genetic marker analyses for accurate human remains identification using massively parallel DNA sequencing.

Background: Although the primary objective of forensic DNA analyses of unidentified human remains is positive identification, cases involving historical or archaeological skeletal remains often lack reference samples for comparison. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) offers an opportunity to provide biometric data in such cases, and these cases provide valuable data on the feasibility of applying MPS for characterization of modern forensic casework samples. In this study, MPS was used to characterize 140-year-old human skeletal remains discovered at a historical site in Deadwood, South Dakota, United States.

Genetics of plumage color in the Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus): analysis of the melanocortin-1 receptor gene.

Genetic variation at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene is correlated with melanin color variation in a few reported vertebrates. In Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), plumage color variation exists throughout their arctic and subarctic circumpolar distribution, from white to gray and almost black. Multiple color variants do exist within the majority of populations; however, a few areas (e.