Biological Forensics

Forensics Lab Objectives Learn the definition of forensic science. Examine ways biological information can be used to solve crimes, and see examples of this in today’s society.

Forensic Science Definition: The application of the tools of science, as well as specific scientific facts, to help solve legal problems Goal: the determination of the cause, location, and time of death

Some Uses of Forensics Identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes Exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes Identify crime and catastrophe victims Establish timing and circumstances of a crime

Categories of Forensics Forensic Odontology

Fingerprint counting number of typica Forensic Fingerprinting Forensic Anthropology Forensic Art Radiocarbon dating of the Dead Sea Scrolls Composite art, image modification, age progression, post- mortem reconstruction and demonstrative evidence

Biological Forensics Use of Entomology (the study of insects) Use of Molecular biology (DNA analysis) Bluebottle blow fly

Antigen-Antibody reactions Forensic Serology

Antibodies secreted from b-lymphocytes Forensic Serology

White blood cells Platelets Red blood cells Artery

Plasma- 55% Formed elements- 45% Buffy coat- <1%

ANTIGENS

a a a a a a a a b b b b b b b b

AGGLUTINATION

Figure Serum Anti-A RBCs Anti-B Type AB (contains agglutinogens A and B; agglutinates with both sera) Blood being tested Type A (contains agglutinogen A; agglutinates with anti-A) Type B (contains agglutinogen B; agglutinates with anti-B) Type O (contains no agglutinogens; does not agglutinate with either serum)

Blood Typing Serum A Serum B Serum D=Rh

A B D What Blood Type is this Person?

Blood Type & RhHow Many Have ItFrequency ORh Positive1 person in 337.4% ORh Negative1 person in 156.6% ARh Positive1 person in 335.7% ARh Negative1 person in 166.3% BRh Positive1 person in 128.5% BRh Negative1 person in 671.5% ABRh Positive1 person in 293.4% ABRh Negative1 person in 167.6%

In Class Assignment Analyze 4 suspects blood types Compare it to blood found on the murder weapon. Determine the murderer.

Normal Polycythemia Sickle cell anemia Anemia

White Blood Cells Neutrophil 40-70% Monocyte 3-8% Basophil <1% Lymphocyte 20-40% Eosinophil 2-4%

Identify WBC’s