DNA extraction is a crucial step in forensic casework, especially when working with low template samples. Micro traces such as touch DNA or telogen hair roots often contain only minute amounts of DNA. Purification steps involved in conventional extraction methods further diminish available DNA quantities, sometimes reaching levels below detection limits. Therefore, using direct lysis approaches such as the new Investigator Casework GO! Kit offers the opportunity to save most of the valuable biological material for downstream analysis. Comparison of different extraction methods demonstrates the superiority of casework direct methods in the analysis of micro traces such as touch DNA samples, single skin cells, and telogen hair root.

This webinar will focus on some of the first results obtained using the new Investigator Casework GO! Kit when analyzing trace casework evidence.

About the speaker
Lisa Dierig, Ph.D,
Institute of Legal Medicine, Ulm, Germany
Being fascinated by forensic science from a young age, she received her undergraduate degree in Biotechnology/Forensic Sciences from the Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands in 2016. Through internships at national and international institutions, she found her passion for forensic DNA analysis. Participating in a variety of research projects including botanical and wildlife forensic DNA applications as well as human identification, provided her with great insight into the broad field of forensic genetics. After having worked as a technical lab assistant at her current institution for two years, she started her Ph.D. in October 2018.
Date of recording:May 28, 2019
Duration:36 minutes
Categories
Webinar
Human ID & Forensics