Advances in Forensic Biology and Genetics

Dr. Hirak Ranjan Dash is an Associate Professor of Forensic Biology and Biotechnology at CUTM, Bhubaneswar affiliated with the National Forensic Sciences University, India. Before joining academics, he worked as a Forensic DNA expert at Forensic Science Laboratory, Madhya Pradesh, India. He has examined more than 1000 cases by DNA fingerprinting technique. His research interests include DNA fingerprinting, Microbial forensics, microbiome analysis, Next Generation Sequencing, and mtDNA analysis. He has published more than 40 research papers in various peer-reviewed journals. He has written 10 books in various fields of Biotechnology. He is a life member and served as a reviewer for various international journals. He is the pioneer worker from India on NGS-based forensic DNA analysis. He is featured in the list of the top 2% scientists of the world for 2021, 2022, and 2023.Dr. Kelly M. Elkins is a Professor of Chemistry at Towson University, USA, founding co-editor-in-chief of an international journal, and former Director of the Forensic Science Program at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. She is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Chemical Society. Her research interests include improving DNA recovery, applying forensic DNA typing to historic human remains, development of assays for bioterror agents, detection and identification of novel psychoactive substances and plant drugs, and ethics in forensic science. She has published more than 60 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters and 7 books on various topics in forensic chemistry and forensic biology. She has consulted on paternity, unidentified human remains, and other unsolved cases. Her work has been funded by numerous agencies and she was featured in the list of top 2% scientists of the world for 2019.Dr. Noora Rashid Al-Snan is a distinguished expert in forensic biology and genetics, with a strong academic and professional background that spans nearly two decades. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine, specializing in Medical Genetics, and has significantly contributed to the field through her innovative research and numerous publications. Dr. Al-Snan's work focuses on advanced DNA analysis techniques, forensic genetics, and the development of new methodologies for crime scene investigation. As an esteemed member of several international forensic science organizations, Dr. Al-Snan has played a pivotal role in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing forensic education. She has been honored with several international awards for her contributions. Her dedication to the field is evident in her active involvement in forensic casework, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of forensic scientists. Dr. Al-Snan's commitment to excellence and her passion for forensic science have earned her recognition and respect among her peers. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping this volume, making it an invaluable resource for professionals and students alike.

• Section I: Body Fluid Detection.- Chapter 1: An Introduction to Forensic Serology, Evidence Evaluation and Time Since Intercourse IntervalsDr .- Chapter 2: Conventional Microscopic and Serological Techniques for Human Body Fluid Detection.- Chapter 3: DNA methylation approaches of human body fluid detection.- Chapter 4: Detection of Forensically relevant body fluids using mRNA markers  Section II: Estimation of PMI  .- Chapter 5: Overview of conventional techniques for the estimation of PMI.- Chapter 6: Biochemical markers for the estimation of Time Since Death.- Chapter 7: Estimation of Time Since Death: An Entomological perspective.- Chapter 8: Estimation of the time since death through metabolomic approaches.- Chapter 9: Molecular approaches of estimation of Time Since Death  .- Chapter 10:Estimation of post-mortem time interval from Dental Tissues .- Chapter 11:Application of Artificial Neural Networks for estimation of PMISection III: Estimation of Cause and Manner of Death .- Chapter 12:Advantages of Virtual Autopsy over conventional Autopsy.- Chapter 13:Complexity of molecular analysis by new generation sequencing in the study of sudden cardiac death within the forensic contextSection IV: Individualization and Investigative Leads.- Chapter 14:Achieving Individualization using STR markers.- Chapter 15:Use of bi-allelic markers for individualization from forensic biological samples  .- Chapter 16:Applications of haplodiploid markers in Forensic Genetics .- Chapter 17:Lineage markers and their applications in Forensic DNA analysis.- Chapter 18:The Y-chromosome in forensic casework.- Chapter 19:Mapping the Post-Crania for Optimal Y-DNA and Stable Isotope Sampling .- Chapter 20:Achieving Individualization using STR markers  .- Chapter 21: Use of mtDNA sequencing technique in Forensic DNA analysis .- Chapter 22:X-STR markers and its application in Forensic DNA analysis.- Chapter 23:Application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology for individualization in forensic contextSection V: Wildlife Forensics .- Chapter 24:DNA barcoading and its application in identification of plant species.- Chapter 25: Analysis of counterfeit wood products and DNA typing in forensic botany.- Chapter 26:Elucidating Genetic Signatures: DNA barcoding and Genetic profiling of Endangered forest Species of Western Ghats.