NCJ Number
162853
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1996) Pages: 40-46
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study evaluates human bone as a source material for DNA identification following exposure to common forensic field conditions.
Abstract
The established DNA identification protocol, termed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), has been admitted as physical evidence in the investigation of crimes such as assault, sexual assault, and homicide. The limit associated with this procedure concerns the integrity of the genetic material. Often, with the onset of decomposition and eventual disarticulation of a body, soft tissues, hair and teeth may not be recovered. Within forensic anthropology, human bone represents the most biologically stable evidence and is sometimes all that remains after periods of exposure. Genomic DNA was extracted from human bone following exposure to surface deposit, shallow burial, and fresh water immersion. Samples were collected over three months and analyzed by spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis as well as RFLP analysis. Genomic DNA from bone deposited on the desert surface for up to four weeks was detected by RFLP analysis. These findings demonstrate that human bone can be a reliable source of genomic DNA, and that bone recovered from surface deposit is the most desirable for use in forensic identification. Tables, figures, references