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Full-Text Articles in Legal Studies

Evaluation Of The Effect Of The Humic Acid Inhibitor On Forensic Genetic Investigations Of Human Skeletal Remains, Madeline King May 2021

Evaluation Of The Effect Of The Humic Acid Inhibitor On Forensic Genetic Investigations Of Human Skeletal Remains, Madeline King

Honors Theses

Postmortem survival of DNA in human skeletal remains occurs due to the compact microstructure of the skeleton and its ability to provide a strong, protective physical barrier to environmental insults. On a molecular level, DNA preservation in bones/teeth involves electrostatic interactions between the negatively-charged DNA backbone and positively charged calcium residues in hydroxyapatite, the latter of which is one of the main components of bone microstructure. Despite these protections, over time endogenous DNA becomes damaged, limiting our ability to detect it and affecting its utility in making a positive identification. Hence, forensic genetic investigations of unidentified human remains (UHRs) are …


Investigating The Efficacy Of Dna Damage With Bleach In Forensic Laboratories And At Crime Scenes, Alyssa Tuccinardi May 2020

Investigating The Efficacy Of Dna Damage With Bleach In Forensic Laboratories And At Crime Scenes, Alyssa Tuccinardi

Honors Theses

Household/commercial bleach (6% NaOCl, sodium hypochlorite) degrades DNA through oxidative damage, production of chlorinated base products, and cleavage of DNA strands (breaking it into smaller and smaller fragments). The presence of these lesions significantly impacts the ability to generate a full genetic profile from an evidentiary sample. In fact, knowledge of the damaging effect of bleach on DNA is the basis for its use in forensic laboratories to clean workbenches and prevent cross-contamination of samples between cases. Additionally, bleach is used intentionally by criminals to clean up crime scenes and destroy DNA evidence. A previous study demonstrated that bleach has …


Isolation Of Secreted Micrornas (Mirnas) From Cell-Conditioned Media, Claire L. Glynn, Sonja Khan, Michael J. Kerin, Roisin M. Dwyer Apr 2013

Isolation Of Secreted Micrornas (Mirnas) From Cell-Conditioned Media, Claire L. Glynn, Sonja Khan, Michael J. Kerin, Roisin M. Dwyer

Forensic Science Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be stable in the circulation of cancer patients raising their potential as circulating biomarkers of disease. The specific source and role, however, of miRNAs in the circulation is unknown and requires elucidation to determine their true potential. In this study, along with primary tissue explants and primary stromal cells, three breast cancer cell lines were employed, including T47D, MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3. Tissue explants were harvested in theatre, with informed patient consent, and included tumour, tumour associated normal, and diseased lymph node samples. Cell-conditioned media containing all factors secreted by the cells were harvested. MiRNAs …