Enhancing DNA ID Capabilities for Reduction of Violent Crime

Project summary for 2000-DN-VX-K001 Through this cooperative agreement West Virginia University (WVU) will conduct research projects aimed at provising new and improved methods for DNA analysis. These projects include research into the temporal determination of biological sample deposition and bullet cytology for DNA identification. The bullet cytology project involves the development of a laser-assisted micro-dissection capability for tissue adhering to bullets for DNA testing. The temporal determination project will use DNA analysis techniques to probe the time-dependent dcay of RNA fragments in order to promote information regarding the time a evidence sample was deposited. The development of molecular beacon based,real-time PCR analysis kits is anticipated. Both projects will first demonstrate proof of concept.