Application of DNA-based methods in forensic entomology

Application of DNA-based methods in forensic entomology Book

Wells, JD, Stevens, JR. (2008). Application of DNA-based methods in forensic entomology . 53 103-120. 10.1146/annurev.ento.52.110405.091423

A forensic entomological investigation can benefit from a variety of widely practiced molecular genotyping methods. The most commonly used is DNA-based specimen identification. Other applications include the identification of insect gut contents and the characterization of the population genetic structure of a forensically important insect species. The proper application of these procedures demands that the analyst be technically expert. However, one must also be aware of the extensive list of standards and expectations that many legal systems have developed for forensic DNA analysis. We summarize the DNA techniques that are currendy used in, or have been proposed for, forensic entomology and review established genetic analyses from other scientific fields that address questions similar to those in forensic entomology. We describe how accepted standards for forensic DNA practice and method validation are likely to apply to insect evidence used in a death or other forensic entomological investigation. Copyright © 2008 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.