Forensic DNA Typing, Second Edition: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers by John M. Butler

Product Description

Since the enormously successful first edition of Forensic DNA Typing was published, the Human Genome Project has published a draft sequence of the human genome and completed the finished reference sequence. The advent of modern DNA technology has resulted in the increased ability to perform human identity testingdesirable in a number of situations including the determination of perpetrators of violent crime such as murder and rape, resolving unestablished paternity, and identifying remains of missing persons or victims of mass disasters. The technology has been utilized in identifying remains from victims of the World Trade Center twin towers collapse following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal, and the identification of the remains in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Indeed, our perceptions of history have been changed with DNA evidence that revealed Thomas Jefferson fathered a child by one of his slaves. This book examines the science of current forensic DNA typing methods by focusing on the biology, technology, and genetic interpretation of short tandem repeat (STR) markers, which encompass the most common forensic DNA analysis methods used today. Ten new chapters have been added to accommodate the explosion of new information since the turn of the century.

*The only book available that specifically covers detailed information on mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome
*Chapters cover the topic from introductory level right up to "cutting edge" research
*High-profile cases are addressed throughout the book, near the sections dealing with the science or issues behind these cases
*NEW TO THIS EDITION: D.N.A. Boxes--boxed "Data, Notes & Applications" sections throughout the book offer higher levels of detail on specific questions
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #176567 in Books
Published on: 2005-02-22
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
688 pages
Editorial Reviews

Review
When they write the history of forensic science for our times, Forensic DNA Typing will be cited as the classic text on the subject.Richard Saferstein, Ph.D.

... the book is an exceptionally comprehensive reference, touching on every relevant aspect of current forensic DNA typing practice. - Journal of Forensic Sciences

Apart from coverage, the book is well edited, attractively laid out, and makes productive use of its four-color format. - Journal of Forensic Sciences

very good book, and will serve many practitioners and students of forensic DNA typing as a single source reference. - Journal of Forensic Sciences

It is hard to think of a topic in forensic DNA typing that is not treated in the book. - Journal of Forensic Sciences

This is a volume which contains something of value to all forensic scientists. -- Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine

[One] that should be purchased rather than borrowed . . .it is an outstanding guide to the subject. Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine


up to date every few years, it has the potential to become the standard reference, perhaps something. - Journal of Forensic Sciences

A final point is that the book is a phenomenal bargain in this day and age at around $80 a copy. - Journal of Forensic Sciences

Review
"...well written and informative...an excellent introductory textbook for students in forensic science or as a reference text for scientists..."
- CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCES JOURNAL

"I would strongly recommend this book as a training aid for new analysts or a DNA typing reference for forensic scientists."
- FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS

"...a valuable purchase for scientists, doctors, lawyers and police officers. It is clear and practical...The book goes a long way to demystifying DNA and I would recommend it highly"
- BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, BOOK AWARDS 2001

Book Info
(Harcourt Science and Technology) A criminal justice text focusing on the science and technology of forensic DNA testing, as used by the FBI. Most specifically, this text examines the technology behind STR markers and the most common forensic DNA analysis methods currently being used. Starts at an introductory level, moving all the way into advanced research.
Customer Reviews

Forensic DNA Typing, Second Edition: Biology, Technology, and STR Markers
I would not recommend this book to someone who was completely new to the use of genetics as a tool for forensics. I did an undergraduate degree in biotechnoloy in 2000 and wanted to review and learn more about specifically how most DNA in crime labs was being processed today. This book was recommended to me by the head of a prominent DNA crime lab. It is written at a higher level than most texts but offers a wealth of detailed information, particularly if you are interested in contrasting advantages and disadvantages of different kits and equipment.

Great book for learning DNA
This book is a great book for teaching DNA. It breaks down the information pretty good in some areas but not as well in others. Overall I would say it is a good book.

Clearly, an outstanding piece of work!
While Dr. Butler's book on DNA typing is clearly based on experience and profound understanding of the subject, I was most impressed with the readability. I was thrilled to find principles illustrated by examples from current events! Students of science will find this book refreshing. Well written (and edited)!