Biocomputing approach in forensic analysis. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brunelle, Erica; Halámek, Jan
• Is Part Of: International journal of parallel, emergent and distributed systems. Volume 32:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Biocomputing -- forensics -- enzyme -- marker -- biocatalytic; Parallel computers -- Periodicals; Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing -- Periodicals; Computer algorithms -- Periodicals; 004.35
• DOI: 10.1080/17445760.2016.1140166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-5760

Abstract

Abstract: Biochemical analysis of biological substances found at a crime scene is an important aspect of forensic investigations, where the objective is to determine the identification of crime victims and suspects/persons-of-interest. One particular biochemistry/molecular biology-based area of interest in forensic analysis is forensic serology; this area focuses on the complex task of gathering information regarding the type, age, ethnicity, and/or gender of the sample originator from the biological fluids (blood, saliva, etc.) found at a crime scene. In this review, we cover various studies involving biocomputing techniques used for the analysis of biological samples – namely blood – in different forensic applications. The studies covered include the differentiation of gender and ethnicity using a biocomputing system that produces a binary result, as well as the determination of blood spot age. Each of the applications showcased in this review produces sometimes ambiguous results that would normally pose major problems for a study, however, the addition of biocomputing logic provides an extra level of certainty and clarity. We hope to convey the advantages of utilizing biocomputing methods in various forms of forensic analysis.