Trace DNA from smudges

Overview

Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.

Project Summary

Trace DNA describes DNA recovered from forensic crime scenes in small or minute quantities. Trace evidence is normally collected from areas of interest before fingerprint powder is broadly applied to a surface.  The powdering process often reveals many additional latent impressions, i.e. smudges, which are not suitable for fingerprint identification but may contain trace DNA.  Partial and sometimes full DNA profiles can be recovered from these smudges, however in most instances mixed and/or partial profiles are observed due to contaminating substances in the fingerprint powder and/or brush.  This vacation research project will serve as a pilot study to develop collection measures to enhance the recovery rate of usable trace DNA from latent impressions post-fingerprinting.  In this study, powdered samples will be collected from an object using combinations of wet/dry swab/tape lifting collection techniques to remove the powder before collecting the DNA. Subsequent PCR analysis will evaluate the effect of each procedure on the quality of the DNA obtained and the suitability of the DNA sample for further analysis.

Expected outcomes, applications and/or benefits

This project addresses an issue that is encountered by the Queensland police at most crime scenes.  Specifically, no guidelines exist to aid investigators attempting to analyse trace DNA collected from powdered latent impressions.  This project will establish effective protocols for this specific forensic DNA analysis application.  Ultimately, we will be able to provide the law enforcement community with effective guidelines.  Depending on the outcome of the project, these data may be publishable in a forensic journal.

Required student skills/experience

It is recommended that the students have completed LQB680 Forensic DNA Profiling prior to participating in this project.

Duration of project

10 weeks, starting from December 10th and finishing on February 15th.

Number of hours per week expected: 20 Hrs per week.

Study level
Vacation research experience scholarship
Supervisors
QUT
Organisational unit

Science and Engineering Faculty

Research area

Cell and Molecular Biosciences

Keywords
DNA, forensic, crime, smudge
Contact
Contact the supervisor for more information