Journal of Forensic Research

Recent Advances in Forensic DNA Analysis

Abstract

Jennifer M Romeika and Fei Yan

Forensic DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis or DNA profiling has played a major role in the criminal justice system. New techniques and technologies for DNA profiling continue to evolve every year. This paper reviews the literature reported during January 2011 through June 2013 in the field of forensic DNA analysis. Recent advances in almost all aspects of DNA analysis – which include sample collection, storage, and pretreatment, DNA extraction, DNA quantitation, quality assurance of DNA testing, and DNA databases are discussed. New developments now enable new kinds of forensically relevant information to be extracted from limited quantities of biological samples, and offer unprecedented potential for high-throughput DNA analysis.