A genetic study of the Identifiler(™ )System 15 STR loci in the general population of Nicaragua, Central America.

Allele frequencies for the 15 short tandem repeats loci D8S1179, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, D3S1358, TH01, D13S317, D16S539, D2S1338, D19S433, vWA, TPOX, D18S51, D5S818 and FGA (AmpFℓSTR(®) Identifiler(™)PCR Amplification Kit, Applied Biosystems) were determined in a sample of 322 unrelated individuals from Nicaragua. Statistical analyses were performed using PowerStats v12 and Genepop v4.0.

Assessing a novel room temperature DNA storage medium for forensic biological samples.

The ability to properly collect, analyze and preserve biological stains is important to preserving the integrity of forensic evidence. Stabilization of intact biological evidence in cells and the DNA extracts from them is particularly important since testing is generally not performed immediately following collection. Furthermore, retesting of stored DNA samples may be needed in casework for replicate testing, confirmation of results, and to accommodate future testing with new technologies.

Bioinformatics and human identification in mass fatality incidents: the world trade center disaster.

Victim identification initiatives undertaken in the wake of Mass Fatality Incidents (MFIs) where high-body fragmentation has been sustained are often dependent on DNA typing technologies to complete their mandate. The success of these endeavors is linked to the choice of DNA typing methods and the bioinformatic tools required to make the necessary associations. Several bioinformatic tools were developed to assist with the identification of the victims of the World Trade Center attacks, one of the most complex incidents to date.

Epidemiology. DNA identifications after the 9/11 World Trade Center attack.

The attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 challenged current approaches to forensic DNA typing methods. The large number of victims and the extreme thermal and physical conditions of the site necessitated special approaches to the DNA-based identification. Because of these and many additional challenges, new procedures were created or modified from routine forensic protocols.