Forensic DNA Typing: Biology and Technology Behind STR Markers

From Book News, Inc.
Examines the science of current DNA typing methods by focusing on the biology and technology behind short tandem repeat (STR) markers and the most common forensic DNA analysis methods used. Chapters cover the subject from an introductory level up to the latest research. Case study chapters review the DNA testing performed in high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson case and the Thomas Jefferson evidence. Material is intended to aid forensic DNA laboratories in meeting the training requirements stated in the new DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards. Information on suppliers of DNA analysis equipment, products, and services is included. Of interest to forensic scientists, lawyers, and law enforcement professionals.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR


Review
"...well written and informative...an excellent introductory textbook for students in forensic science or as a reference text for scientists..."
- CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCES JOURNAL

"I would strongly recommend this book as a training aid for new analysts or a DNA typing reference for forensic scientists."
- FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS

"...a valuable purchase for scientists, doctors, lawyers and police officers. It is clear and practical...The book goes a long way to demystifying DNA and I would recommend it highly"
- BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, BOOK AWARDS 2001

worth considering for everybody who is involved in modern forensic genetic DNA typing or is dependent on the results - Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine


Review
"...well written and informative...an excellent introductory textbook for students in forensic science or as a reference text for scientists..."
- CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCES JOURNAL

"I would strongly recommend this book as a training aid for new analysts or a DNA typing reference for forensic scientists."
- FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS

"...a valuable purchase for scientists, doctors, lawyers and police officers. It is clear and practical...The book goes a long way to demystifying DNA and I would recommend it highly"
- BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, BOOK AWARDS 2001


Book Description
Forensic DNA Typing focuses on the biology and technology behind short tandem repeat (STR) markers and the most common forensic DNA analysis method used today. This comprehensive handbook will help forensic scientists gain a better understanding of STRs and the procedures needed to properly analyze them, while helping professionals in the law enforcement and legal communities comprehend the complexities of DNA profiling. It will also help laboratories meet the training requirements in the new DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards.

The first few chapters of Forensic DNA Typing provide a thorough introduction to the topic for readers who might be less familiar with DNA, while providing a useful review for more advanced readers. It goes on to cover new genetic markers and information on rapidly changing technologies to help professionals make accurate identifications through DNA typing. Detailed illustrations and examples are used throughout. The book concludes with reviews of the DNA testing performed in high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial, the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky affair, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings family controversy, and others.

John Butler has been involved in the validation of the short tandem repeat markers that form the basis of the FBI's nationwide DNA database, CODIS, and in the development of new and innovative technologies. His talent for explaining complex information is apparent in the clear organization, illustrations, and straightforward language of this text. Forensic DNA Typing has already established itself as the standard reference in the field.

Key Benefits:
* Chapters cover the topic from introductory level right up to "cutting edge" research
* Forensic scientists learn about the new methods and technologies required by STR typing
* DNA laboratories find out how to meet the training requirements of the DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards (listed in Appendix III)
* Lawyers and law enforcement professionals understand the science behind the techniques
* All readers can use the information listed on suppliers of DNA analysis equipment, products and services

* Provides a comprehensive look at the biology, technology, and applications of DNA typing
* Focuses on the major molecular biological technique currently being used throughout the world
* Uses a wide array of illustrations and examples to make the material easy to understand
* Progresses from basic introductory information to cutting-edge research
* Designed for forensic scientists, law enforcement and legal professionals, and students in related fields
* Provides DNA analysts with all the reported alleles for the 13 CODIS STR loci, including sizes and sequences
* Includes the DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards
* Reviews DNA testing performed in high-profile cases


Book Info
(Harcourt Science and Technology) A criminal justice text focusing on the science and technology of forensic DNA testing, as used by the FBI. Most specifically, this text examines the technology behind STR markers and the most common forensic DNA analysis methods currently being used. Starts at an introductory level, moving all the way into advanced research.


From the Back Cover
Since it was first used in a criminal investigation in 1986, forensic DNA testing has become not only one of the most high profile tools available to the legal system, but also one with a very high degree of confidence. The use of DNA testing has helped determine the perpetrators of violent crimes, resolve questioned paternity and identify the remains of missing persons or victims of mass disasters.
John Butler has been involved, first in the validation of the short tandem repeat (STR) markers that form the basis of the FBI's nation-wide DNA database (CODIS) and, lately, in the development of new and innovative technologies that may influence the future of the field. If you are involved with forensic DNA testing in any way, you cannot afford not to own this book.
Short tandem repeat loci will be the most widely used markers in forensic DNA analysis for many years to come, and suitable information on STR typing is needed for crime laboratory personnel as well as members of the legal community. This book examines the science of current DNA typing methods by focussing on the biology and technology behind STR markers and the most common forensic DNA analysis methods used today.
Features:
* Chapters cover the topic from introductory level right up to "cutting edge" research
* Forensic scientists learn about the new methods and technologies required by STR typing
* DNA laboratories find out how to meet the training requirements of the DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards (listed in Appendix III).
* Lawyers and law enforcement professionals understand the science behind the techniques
* Information listed on suppliers of DNA analysis equipment, products and services


About the Author
John Butler earned his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia while doing DNA research in the FBI Laboratory's Forensic Science Research Unit. He designed and built STRBase--an Internet-accessible database on short tandem repeat DNA markers that is widely used by forensic scientists today. He is a frequent author and presenter on the topic of DNA typing.


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Butler, John M.


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