Advanced Topics in Forensic Biology

DNA fingerprinting has revolutionized forensic science in the last 30 years. This book provides a current background into forensic biology techniques, both those that are currently practiced and those emerging in this rapidly advancing field. Recent and new advanced testing methods covered include next generation sequencing, forensic phenotyping, MicroRNA expression analysis, 20 core STR loci typing, and more. The book highlights evidence as the means to identify biological fluids, blood, semen, saliva, urine, feces, vaginal secretions and menstrual blood to definitively identify both an individual, as well as the tissue source of origin, which can be critical in the investigative process.

Introduction to Forensic Biology. Recognition, Collection and Preservation of Biological Evidence. Biological Evidence Origin. Forensic Serology. Forensic Blood Analysis. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Forensic Body Fluid Analysis. Spectroscopic techniques for Body Fluid identification. Nucleic acid profiling techniques for Body Fluid identification. Forensic challenges with Body Fluids. Individualization of Biological Evidence. Forensic DNA Typing. Forensic Phenotyping. Non-Human Forensic Biology. Future Trends in Forensic Biology.

Dr. Claire Glynn holds a B.A. from National University of Ireland - Galway, a B.S. from Limerick Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. from National University of Ireland - Galway. Dr. Glyn‘s research interests include forensic biology focused on body fluid identification, DNA degradation, and RNA analysis. This includes the development and utilization of novel molecular markers, such as microRNAs, for the characterization of body fluid types in forensic applications. In addition, Dr. Glynn has a keen interest in pattern and impression evidence. She currently, teaches courses in Introduction to Forensic Science, Forensic Biology, and Advanced Criminalistics I and II.