In focusing on the use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and PCR-based technology, the broad objective of this project was to advance the introduction of DNA technology into forensic science.
PCR is a technique for selectively replicating short segments of DNA sequence. The research on PCR was divided into four areas. The first involved investigations relevant to the application of PCR in the forensic context. Recommendations in this area pertain to sample preparation, differential extraction, fidelity of amplification, mixing experiments, the effects of primer mismatch, and direct DNA sequencing. The second area included studies on categories of evidence for which PCR might be particularly advantageous, that is, evidence typically containing very small amounts of DNA and/or degraded DNA. Recommendations involve hair analysis, postmortem tissues, saliva traces in bitemarks and envelope lickings, urine, and insect bloodmeals. The third addressed a particular potential problem for forensic DNA analysis, the consequences of chemical damage to DNA on the reliability of genetic typing. The fourth research area focused on the development of PCR- based genetic typing methods. Appended list of related publications, presentations, postdoctoral and student research supported, and a list of visiting scientists