FORENSIC GENETICS, THEORY AND APPLICATION

FOREWORD The science of the 21st century has not given up on its rapid development. The pace of evident progress in certain scientifc disciplines, especially those relying on applied genetics, does not allow for a breakthrough in the collection, sorting and presentation of the latest achievements made in hundreds of laboratories around the world. Continuous education of scientists, professors, experts, and users of scientifc achievements has never been this prominent and observable. After a brief analysis of the development of forensic genetics in the past fve years, we have decided that it would be wise to approach the complementation of existing material available with, as we then thought, “some new information”. But when we included everything we wanted to add onto the previous edition, we found that the new facts, hypotheses and models have been generated, as well as a promising direction for potential development established. Soon upon this realization, we had nothing left to do but to, signifcantly infuenced by young and enthusiastic associates, “roll up our sleeves” and prepare a new textbook. As a result, this book was created, which at the moment of its creation is probably the only existing edition that includes the most up-to-date information, especially related to the new multiplex STR systems, next-generation sequencing platforms and lineage markers, as well as new approaches in forensic DNA analysis in general. Two completely new chapters have been prepared, including the topics of food forensics and microbiology in forensic investigations. We are especially proud of the last chapter of this book that gives brief, understandable and highly applicable guidelines for proper sample handling, collection and storage, and overall model of behavior at the crime scene. As in the previous editions of this material, we tried to present the basic molecular biological, biochemical, statistical and technological knowledge, and other principles that must be known in order to comprehend the application of fundamental scientifc knowledge in forensic genetics. Also, we aimed at adding everything that is important into this book, and also what is written within the best books of the world, and everything that we have learnt from our practical work in the past decade. By preparing this edition in English language, we have thought of potential international readers of our book and tried our best to make this text as accessible worldwide as possible.