Forensic genetics and genomics: Much more than just a human affair

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Arenas, M (Author) Other; Pereira, F (Author) Other; Oliveira, M (Author) Other; Pinto, N (Author) Other; Lopes, AM (Author) Other; Gomes, V (Author) Other; Carracedo, A (Author) Other; Amorim, A (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Plos Genetics

Vol. 13

Final page: e1006960

ISSN: 1553-7390

Publisher: Public Library of Science

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 13 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-31M

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006960

Abstract (EN): While traditional forensic genetics has been oriented towards using human DNA in criminal investigation and civil court cases, it currently presents a much wider application range, including not only legal situations sensu stricto but also and, increasingly often, to preemptively avoid judicial processes. Despite some difficulties, current forensic genetics is progressively incorporating the analysis of nonhuman genetic material to a greater extent. The analysis of this material-including other animal species, plants, or microorganisms-is now broadly used, providing ancillary evidence in criminalistics in cases such as animal attacks, trafficking of species, bioterrorism and biocrimes, and identification of fraudulent food composition, among many others. Here, we explore how nonhuman forensic genetics is being revolutionized by the increasing variety of genetic markers, the establishment of faster, less error-burdened and cheaper sequencing technologies, and the emergence and improvement of models, methods, and bioinformatics facilities.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 28