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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology

Published in:

01-09-2015 | Original Article

Simultaneous analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, mRNA and miRNA from backspatter from inside parts of firearms generated by shots at “triple contrast” doped ballistic models

Authors: Melanie Grabmüller, Christian Schyma, Jan Euteneuer, Burkhard Madea, Cornelius Courts

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 3/2015

Abstract

When a firearm projectile hits a biological target a spray of biological material (e.g., blood and tissue fragments) can be propelled from the entrance wound back towards the firearm. This phenomenon has become known as “backspatter” and if caused by contact shots or shots from short distances traces of backspatter may reach, consolidate on, and be recovered from, the inside surfaces of the firearm. Thus, a comprehensive investigation of firearm-related crimes must not only comprise of wound ballistic assessment but also backspatter analysis, and may even take into account potential correlations between these emergences. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and expand the applicability of the “triple contrast” method by probing its compatibility with forensic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and the simultaneous investigation of co-extracted mRNA and miRNA from backspatter collected from internal components of different types of firearms after experimental shootings. We demonstrate that “triple contrast” stained biological samples collected from the inside surfaces of firearms are amenable to forensic co-analysis of DNA and RNA and permit sequence analysis of the entire mtDNA displacement-loop, even for “low template” DNA amounts that preclude standard short tandem repeat DNA analysis. Our findings underscore the “triple contrast” method’s usefulness as a research tool in experimental forensic ballistics.

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Title: Simultaneous analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, mRNA and miRNA from backspatter from inside parts of firearms generated by shots at “triple contrast” doped ballistic models
Authors: Melanie Grabmüller
Christian Schyma
Jan Euteneuer
Burkhard Madea
Cornelius Courts
Publication date: 01-09-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-015-9695-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Simultaneous analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, mRNA and miRNA from backspatter from inside parts of firearms generated by shots at “triple contrast” doped ballistic models

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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