Genetics and Crime

Detecting multiple DNA human profile from a mosquito blood meal.

Criminal traces commonly found at crime scenes may present mixtures from two or more individuals. The scene of the crime is important for the collection of various types of traces in order to find the perpetrator of the crime. Thus, we propose that hematophagous mosquitoes found at crime scenes can be used to perform genetic testing of human blood and aid in suspect investigation. The aim of th...

Biosocial Interactions and Correlates of Crime

Every level of analysis of biological factors from molecular genetics, to brain structure and function, to neuropsychological performance has found links between biology and antisocial behavior. Likewise, a number of social or environmental factors maltreatment, socioeconomic status, education, and so on are believed to contribute to crime and aggression. Over the past two decades, increasing i...

Revisiting the Legal Link between Genetics and Crime

Evaluation of amylase testing as a tool for saliva screening of crime scene trace swabs.

Amylase testing has been used as a presumptive test for crime scene saliva for over three decades, mainly to locate saliva stains on surfaces. We have developed a saliva screening application for crime scene trace swabs, utilising an amylase sensitive paper (Phadebas(®) Forensic Press test). Positive results were obtained for all tested dried saliva stains (0.5-32 μL) with high or intermediate ...

Brave New World of human-rights DNA collection.

Noncriminal DNA databases may serve a societal role in identifying victims of crime and human trafficking. However, how do we safeguard personal privacy of innocent victims and family members?

Genetics of susceptibility to tuberculosis: Mengele's experiments in Auschwitz.

Great experiments will always be remembered. I highlight an experiment that was conducted during the Nazi regime in Germany. Not only did the experiment fail, it was also linked to fraud and crimes against humanity. This failed experiment will never be forgotten.