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My Master’s Dissertation: Secondary Transfer of Trace DNA

By uctzsh0, on 17 April 2016

One of the forefronts of forensic DNA research is the secondary transfer of trace DNA. Secondary transfer is an example of passive transfer and occurs when one person’s DNA is deposited onto an object by someone (or something) else. Trace DNA is usually found in small amounts from sources such as skin cells which are deposited on an object after it has been touched or casually handled.  If this object becomes evidence in a criminal investigation, the possibility of placing an innocent individual at the crime scene arises. The occurrence of secondary transfer of trace DNA has only come to light in the last several years and so there is currently not much known about it. The study I have proposed for my dissertation will evaluate if relative pressure of contact has any effect on the transfer of trace DNA. Knowing this will reveal what factors are required for secondary transfer to happen, and help uncover its relevance in a forensic context.

Tobias, Samuel

Me dusting for prints in a CSI practical session

Forensic DNA technology has progressed to the point where genetic profiles can be generated from samples where only a few cells are present. For this reason, steps have to be taken to prevent any contamination of the samples. The research undertaken by the UCL Centre for Forensic Science is carried out in the collaborative UCL division of Biosciences, UCL CFS and UCL Institute of Archaeology Ancient DNA facility. The ultra-clean lab provides a safe and contamination-free space to extract the DNA from the low-template samples of trace DNA.

As the use of DNA in forensic science continues to expand, the need for scientific literature on the subject will only grow as well. The occurrence of secondary DNA transfer is on the leading-edge of forensic biology research; therefore, my ultimate goal is to create a publishable study that will contribute to the field of forensic DNA research in a beneficial way.

9 Responses to “My Master’s Dissertation: Secondary Transfer of Trace DNA”

  • 1
    UCLForensicSci wrote on 17 April 2016:

    Want to know what we’re up to with touch DNA? Check it out!! https://t.co/W2jdrcG11l

  • 2
    MichaelaFRegan wrote on 17 April 2016:

    RT @UCLForensicSci: Want to know what we’re up to with touch DNA? Check it out!! https://t.co/W2jdrcG11l

  • 3
    Dr David wrote on 17 April 2016:

    Worthwhile endeavour. Very impressive. Look forward to the results.

  • 4
    samhatobias wrote on 17 April 2016:

    Here’s my second blog post about my upcoming dissertation. Have a read! https://t.co/AJXi2NKkbB

  • 5
    samhatobias wrote on 17 April 2016:

    RT @UCLForensicSci: Want to know what we’re up to with touch DNA? Check it out!! https://t.co/W2jdrcG11l

  • 6
    MichaelaFRegan wrote on 17 April 2016:

    RT @samhatobias: Here’s my second blog post about my upcoming dissertation. Have a read! https://t.co/AJXi2NKkbB

  • 7
    KaranKumar_ wrote on 18 April 2016:

    RT @samhatobias: Here’s my second blog post about my upcoming dissertation. Have a read! https://t.co/AJXi2NKkbB

  • 8
    SalGamble wrote on 18 April 2016:

    RT @UCLForensicSci: Want to know what we’re up to with touch DNA? Check it out!! https://t.co/W2jdrcG11l

  • 9
    Aweiss Nasser wrote on 19 November 2016:

    Hi,
    I am keen to understand the role of latent DNA. How do you recover latent DNA from a porous material like green cotton cloth or any colour? What is the likelihood ratio would you expect to acquire from the probability to nail down the culprit?
    Does it (latent fingerprints) have any probative weights to the jury? ( what extent as strong evidence accepted, please rank)

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