Trace DNA analysis from fingerprints
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Authors
Nasinnyk, Maggie A.
Issue Date
2010
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
The research on forensic science applications continue to grow exponentially. The techniques, methods, time and money that are dedicated to improving forensic science standards are staggering. With the advances employed today, the value of preserving evidence couldn't be more precious. Crimes have been solved by a single fiber of evidence or a single strand of hair. One fingerprint or tiny drop of blood can link a perpetrator to a crime scene. Today, fingerprints at a crime scene are more valuable than ever before because researchers have discovered that DNA can be extracted from them.
The DNA is found in skin cells left along with the print. This minute amount of DNA is often referred to as trace, or touch DNA. The benefit of both DNA profiling and fingerprint detection is that they have convicted the guilty and vindicated the innocent. It is in the best interest of the examiner to investigate and exhaust all methods of analysis on an object to obtain this crucial information. The advancement of processing trace DNA samples has opened and solved cold cases by producing the missing link.