Forensic Entomology


Book Description

Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations, Third Edition continues in the tradition of the two best-selling prior editions and maintains its status as the single-most comprehensive book on Forensic Entomology currently available. It includes current, in-the-field best practices contributed by top professionals in the field who have advanced it through research and fieldwork over the last several decades. The use of entomology in crime scene and forensic investigations has never been more prevalent or useful given the work that can be done with entomological evidence. The book recounts briefly the many documented historical applications of forensic entomology over several thousand years. Chapters examine the biological foundations of insect biology and scientific underpinnings of forensic entomology, the principles that govern utilizing insects in legal and criminal investigations. The field today is diverse, both in topics studied, researched and practiced, as is the field of professionals that has expanded throughout the world to become a vital forensic sub-discipline. Forensic Entomology, Third Edition celebrates this diversity by including several new chapters by premier experts in the field that covers such emerging topics as wildlife forensic entomology, microbiomes, urban forensic entomology, and larval insect identification, many of which are covered in depth for the first time. The book will be an invaluable reference for investigators, legal professionals, researchers, practicing and aspiring forensic entomologists, and for the many students enrolled in forensic science and entomology university programs.







Forensic Science Advances and Their Application in the Judiciary System


Book Description

This volume examines how new cutting edge forensic techniques are currently being applied or have the potential to be applied in judicial proceedings. Examples include new applications of Raman spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, lithium in DNA analysis, and the burgeoning area of toxicogenetics. In each case legal issues are addressed, including the such as admissibility of evidence resulting from these techniques. A comparison between the American Judiciary system and the European system is included. Contributors offer their expertise from scientific and legal perspectives.




Forensic DNA Applications


Book Description

Forensic DNA Applications: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Second Edition is fully updated to outline the latest advances in forensic DNA testing techniques and applications. It continues to fill the need for a reference book for people working in the field of forensic molecular biology testing and research as well as individuals investigating and adjudicating cases involving DNA evidence, whether they be civil or criminal cases. DNA techniques have greatly impacted obvious traditional forensic areas, but such advances have also positively affected myriad new areas of research and inquiry. It is possible today to think about solving forensic problems that were simply unheard of even a few years ago. As such, the book pulls all relevant research and applied science together into a detailed and comprehensive collection. Part I begins with the history and development of DNA typing and profiling for criminal and civil purposes. It discusses the statistical interpretation of results with case examples, mitochondrial DNA testing, Y single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short tandem repeats (STRs), and X SNP and STR testing. It also explores low copy number DNA typing, mixtures, and quality assurance and control. Part II moves on to cover the various uses and applications of analyzing collected physical evidence, victim identification in mass disasters, analyzing animal DNA, forensic botany, and other unique applications. Part III is dedicated to the latest advances and developments in human molecular biology and Part IV looks at policies and laws and ethics governing DNA evidence, and its utilization in various cases and the courts. Forensic DNA Applications, Second Edition covers cutting-edge research and advancements in the field and is the most up-to-date reference available. Edited and contributed to by the world's foremost leaders in the field, it is a must-have reference for established professionals, and an essential resource to legal professionals—lawyers and judges dealing with civil and criminal cases involving DNA technology—as well as students entering the fields of genetics and forensic DNA analysis.




The Science of Forensic Entomology


Book Description

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentation—features required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance. The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.




DNA barcoding: a practical tool for fundamental and applied biodiversity research


Book Description

DNA barcoding has become a well-accepted and popular tool for the identification of species and the detection of cryptic taxonomic diversity. As such, it has a tremendous potential for a wide variety of applications in taxonomy, agronomy, conservation biology, forensics etc. Therefore, several countries, institutions and organizations have launched DNA barcoding projects in the context of the international ?Consortium for the Barcode of Life? (CBOL) initiative. Also Belgium has done so with the establishment of the FWO research community ?Belgian Network for DNA barcoding?. In 2012, this network organized the ?Third European Conference for the Barcode of Life? (ECBOL3) in Brussels. During this event a call was made to publish a collection of papers under the thematic title ?DNA barcoding: a practical tool for fundamental and applied biodiversity research?. With the financial support of the EC project ?ViBRANT? (Virtual Biodiversity Research and Access Network for Taxonomy), 21 papers were bundled to form this special ?ZooKeys? issue with the aim to present various applications, advantages and limitations of DNA barcoding. Hence, it is the editors? hope that this issue provides a modest, but timely, contribution to the already vast literature on DNA barcoding.




Polymerase Chain Reaction


Book Description

This book is intended to present current concepts in molecular biology with the emphasis on the application to animal, plant and human pathology, in various aspects such as etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of diseases as well as the use of these methodologies in understanding the pathophysiology of various diseases that affect living beings.




Forensic Pathology Reviews


Book Description

Fresh research has opened up new vistas in forensic pathology that are allowing for closer national and international cooperation between pathologists and scientists in a range of medical and scientific disciplines. At the same time, autopsy and laboratory techniques are undergoing rapid evolution, with new procedures coming on stream while existing processes yield additional—and more accurate—results. This sixth volume of reviews in forensic pathology provides professionals working in the field with cutting-edge material on the latest key advances in the fields of traumatic death, sudden natural death and death time estimation. Now with numerous color illustrations, the book gives forensic experts across the world a fully up-to-date guide to contemporary procedures and theory in forensic science and medicine. The chapters cover an exhaustive range of aspects in the discipline, from the analysis of sudden natural deaths in infancy and childhood to the cardiac proteomics approach in the study of cases involving sudden cardiac death. Other specialist chapters deal with the forensic investigation of deaths in aviation and as a result of accidents involving all-terrain vehicles. The volume covers fresh research in the use of protein markers for the estimation of post-mortem intervals, and features a chapter telling the story of the medico-legal investigation into the deaths resulting from the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Comprehensive and current, this fresh volume of reviews is an essential resource for professionals who need to stay ahead of the game in a fast-moving and exciting field of scientific endeavor.




Forensic Biology


Book Description

Forensic Biology provides coordinated expert content from world-renowned leading authorities in forensic biology. Covering the range of forensic biology, this volume in the Advanced Forensic Science Series provides up-to-date scientific learning on DNA analysis. Technical information, written with the degreed professional in mind, brings established methods together with newer approaches to build a comprehensive knowledge base for the student and practitioner alike. LIke each volume in the Advanced Forensic Science Series, review and discussion questions allow the text to be used in classrooms, training programs, and numerous other applications. Sections on fundamentals of forensic science, history, safety, and professional issues provide context and consistency in support of the forensic enterprise. Forensic Biology sets a new standard for reference and learning texts in mondern forensic science. - Advanced articles written by international forensic biology experts - Covers the range of forensic biology, including methods and interpretation - Includes entries on history, safety, and professional issues - Useful as a professional reference, advanced textbook, or training review




Wildlife Forensic Investigation


Book Description

Wildlife forensics is the application of forensic science to the conservation and protection of non-domesticated animals, both in the wild and in captivity. Providing an in-depth introduction to this rapidly evolving field, Wildlife Forensic Investigation: Principles and Practice also chronicles aspects of the history of management, conservation, and environmental protection, with an emphasis on their global importance in the twenty-first century. The book examines the crucial role of wildlife forensic investigation with regard to live animals, dead animals and samples and covers national, regional, and international legislation. While the text particularly focuses on forensic science as it relates to wild animals, it also includes mention of plants and habitats because of their relevance to conservation. The book discusses animal welfare as well as the damage that can be inflicted on humans and property by wildlife. Offering access to sound evidence based on good science and obtained using the best available practices, the book is enhanced by case studies from experts who describe some of their own work. This resource is essential for those involved in a range of endeavours, including investigating wildlife crime, identifying animal remains, ascertaining the circumstances of death of wild species, and other legal proceedings and activities concerning wildlife. The forensic skills described in this book can be applied to a wide range of activities (not necessarily involving the legal process), including environmental impact assessments, insurance claims, governmental and other enquiries, checking of trading standards and the inspection of (for instance) pet-shops, animal boarding establishments, and zoological collections. The authors point out that one of the most important requirements of those persons involved in wildlife forensic work is to retain an open mind. Such personnel should also be conscious of new developments and evolving techniques and be able to anticipate situations where their investigative and scientific skills might be used to advantage—so-called "horizon scanning". Examples of these are given.