Each week, I consider what to include in the next edition of #ForensicFridays. Very often, what I start out writing never makes it to the final version, as something comes up that I feel I have to write about. This week a case in point: I awoke yesterday to the news of one of the most devastating fires burning in central Johannesburg, resulting in the loss of over 70 lives, many of them children. As the loss of lives continued to rise, my phone lit up with messages asking whether DNA could be used to help identify the victims, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, compounding the tragedy as to whether they will be able to be identified at all. Interestingly, one of the questions received in the newly launched #ASKtheProf series was, 'What DNA analysis techniques do forensic scientists employ to identify remains following a fire?' While this question wasn't initially chosen by the Prof. to answer this week, I asked if he would consider addressing it, given the extreme difficulty in obtaining good quality samples from highly degraded burnt remains. DNA profiling is undoubtedly one of the most widespread and reliable methods of identification when working on highly degraded human remains, especially where there are no dental records available or a reference database to compare fingerprints. Read the Prof's insights on this issue below together with links to some excellent peer-reviewed references on the topic. This tragedy is also a stark reminder that the value of DNA extends far beyond identifying perpetrators of crime; it highlights its significance as a humanitarian tool. With the advancements in DNA technology available today, coupled with the expertise of our forensic scientists in Africa, global collaborative efforts, and humanitarian support, I have no doubt that the identification of these victims will be given the utmost priority, and every possible approach will be sought to try to bring some resolution to their families, friends, and neighbours, wherever they may be. I discussed this crucial aspect of DNA during my interview on ENCA news just this morning when talking about the impact of the new state-of-the-art FSL officially opened in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, yesterday. In the meantime, I am sure you will all join me in extending our heartfelt condolences to the families who have tragically lost their loved ones in this horrific fire. Yours in forensics, Vanessa |
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#ASKthePROF - Prof. Bruce Budowle considers this week's question: |
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Q: “What DNA analysis techniques do forensic scientists employ to identify remains following a fire?” |
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Identifying severely burnt human remains through DNA analysis, while a regular part of forensic work, is quite challenging as exposure to extreme heat is detrimental to the integrity of DNA. |
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Further, when fires are particularly intense, only the hard tissues like bones and teeth may survive for DNA analysis. Additionally, heavily burnt bones are susceptible to contamination with external DNA. There are a number of published studies that have shown that successful DNA typing is indirectly correlated with the amount of trauma due to heat (i.e., fire). As an example, I refer all to read Schwark et al. titled "Reliable genetic identification of burnt remains". This study looked at human bones at various stages of fire-induced damage, categorising them as well-preserved, semi-burnt, blackened, blue-grey burnt, and blue-grey-white burnt. For instance, in blackened bones, the study found that DNA degradation was extensive, and in some instances, nuclear DNA was completely absent, making mitochondrial DNA analysis the only viable option. For 'blue-grey' burned bones, the success rate for obtaining DNA profiles was inconsistent and 'blue-grey-white' burnt bones seldom yielded reliable results. Studies such as this one help guide scientists to be judicious in searching for those samples that have not been so severely burnt. The below studies also address how to approach highly degraded samples. Click on the respective title to access the article: It’s not every day that you have an expert’s ear, and we encourage you to ask Prof. Bruce Budolwe the question you’ve always wanted to ask by commenting on this week’s #ASKtheProf LinkedIn post. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can submit your question HERE. |
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IS A FUTURE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE STILL ATTAINABLE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS? Another burning question |
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The opening of yet another state-of-the-art FSL in Africa yesterday reflects the growth in forensic science laboratories being established and expanded operationally across Africa each year. As we anticipate further growth, maintaining the proficiency of expert witnesses, enforcing integrity within forensic science laboratories in Africa, and embracing and keeping up with current advancements in DNA technology are crucial - but so too is empowering the next generation of forensic experts. Collectively, we are responsible for sharing our knowledge by mentoring the next generation of forensic scientists. In so doing, we can uplift the field by aligning with the principles of integrity and allowing science to serve justice. It’s exciting to see the DNA forensic space grow in various ways, such as the development of Forensic Science programs in universities and the ongoing support of our annual DNA Forensic Symposium (which has grown exponentially with more value add, sponsorship and event partners with each passing year). Regrettably, the opportunities for placing young students in relevant positions often fall short of the demand. One of the questions directed to the Prof this week reflects the sentiment found in countless messages we receive in our inbox: HOW CAN WE ENTER THE FIELD OF FORENSICS? The job market seems limited due to high competition. Could it be that graduates are venturing out prematurely, lacking sufficient experience? Recognising the constrained demand, perhaps FSL's should increase their research collaborations with tertiary institutions. They should also review their entry requirements to ensure they are not overly restrictive. For instance, the SAPS (South African Police Service) mandates a BMI of less than 30 with a waist size of 88cm or less for females and 108cm or less for males and will exclude an applicant for having a visible tattoo. These criteria may be more appropriate for police officers in the field but seem excessively strict and exclusive in the context of a forensic science lab. Through networking (i.e. we are DNAforAfrica!) we should also extend our support beyond our own borders within Africa to mentor our talented young scientists and help make career paths with growth opportunities as the standard. Understandably, this is challenging in high-throughput or under-resourced FSLs where the workload is substantial, and labs can't spare forensic analysts from their duties for additional training. However, can we afford not to provide training opportunities for our emerging forensic scientists? We asked A/Prof. Laura Heathfield, Programme Convenor of Biomedical Forensic Science postgraduate programmes in the Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at UCT for her thoughts on this question: her response being that young individuals are the leaders of the future and that Forensic Science in the future is what the leaders of that time make of it... Read more about enhancing opportunities through networking HERE. |
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WEEKLY INSIGHTSCelebrating a New State-of-the-Art FSL in Africa and Exploring the Risk of Cognitive Bias |
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| | South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened a new state-of-the-art DNA laboratory in Gqeberha, EC, this week, the 3rd FSL in SA. Is this enough, or at least a step in the right direction in dealing with the DNA backlog that has plagued SA for the last few years? Watch Vanessa Lynch talk to ENCA news about how this will help reduce DNA backlog numbers and enhance turnaround time for cases involving rape or gender-based violence. Additionally, she shares that for the first time, 5-year (as opposed to 2-year) consumable and maintenance contracts have been established with suppliers for the continued analysis process. A case of lessons learned being turned into achievements? | | |
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| | Amanda Knox is a familiar name, known for being wrongly convicted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher in 2007. And she is hitting the headlines again as she shares her story of how her life became a nightmare after being charged with the murder of her housemate whilst living abroad in Italy. Knox relates how a combination of cognitive bias and motivated reasoning carried more weight with Italian authorities than forensic evidence that pointed directly at the guilty party - and how she paid the highest price. Read how Knox dives deeper into the meaning of bias and how it plays an unwelcome part in criminal justice (sometimes a stronger role than undeniable forensic evidence). It is a sobering read for any expert witness and CSI alike. | | |
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UPCOMING EVENTSGEARING UP FOR ISHI CONFERENCE 2023 - will we see you there? |
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In less than two weeks, our regional director, Vanessa Lynch will be heading across three continents to attend the annual ISHI event in Denver, CO, USA, where she will unite with her global SAK donation partner, Jennifer Degner (and pick up additional donated SAK items to bring back to Africa), re-connect with Prof. Budowle to discuss ongoing projects in Africa, which include Morrocco, Egypt, Kenya and Rwanda to name a few; meet some dynamic DNA Crusaders and of course attend the inspiring line up of presentations on offer at ISHI that week. If you can't make it (ISHI is only offered 'in person' this year, sadly), be sure to watch our social media channels to follow Vanesa's journey as she shares her experiences. Interested to see what's on offer at ISHI 2023? Check out the exciting agenda HERE |
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BROWN BAG LUNCH TALKExploring Postmortem mRNA Stability and Integrity:A Glimpse into Future Research |
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Conducting research is one of the most valuable ways for scientists to share knowledge and developments, and sharing insights is a powerful way to enrich and empower like-minded people. Thornton, Hutchinson, and Edkins from Rhodes University and the University of the Witwatersrand will share their research endeavours and foster collaborative opportunities on the topic of The stability and integrity of postmortem mRNA: Considerations for future research. The event is online (Microsoft Teams) and free for anyone to join on Wednesday, 13 September, from 13:30 – 14:30 (South African Standard Time (UTC+02:00)). Join the meeting with this Microsoft Teams meeting link HERE. The Meeting ID is 391 253 382 598, and the Passcode is 2EpTin. We'd love to hear from you about any other events or opportunities open to the African forensics community! Please send us details about your upcoming event HERE so we can feature them in our calendar for publication!
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#MyVoiceForJustice AWARD 2023Nominate a DNA crusader today |
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We’re still accepting nominations for the 2023 #MyVoiceForJustice award — so what are you waiting for? The annual award highlights the many individuals in Africa who are dedicated to advocating for justice and humanitarian causes through forensic DNA. If you know someone who fits the bill, nominate them with this link HERE (and don’t be shy to nominate yourself). |
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