The effectiveness of the UK national DNA database

A consolidated summary of South African human skeletal repositories

AIM

Human skeletal repositories are crucial resources for research and education in human biology, variation, anatomy, biocultural frameworks, forensic/medico-legal casework, heritage and understanding the past. In this review paper, we assess the composition of human skeletal repositories in South Africa, along with the ethical and legal frameworks that safeguard their curation.

METHODS

The data and information pertaining to local human skeletal repositories were gathered through a combination of literature review and direct contact with local curators for information. Data pertaining to source origins, sample demographics, and temporal distribution (where applicable) were extracted and reporting trends across publications were assessed.

RESULTS

South Africa has 12 main human skeletal repositories, six affiliated with universities and six with museums. There are over 12 300 human skeletal remains housed across these repositories, mainly of cadaveric, archaeological, forensic (medico-legal), and unknown origin. Universities are primarily stewards of large cadaveric collections (n = ± 6 200); however, a few manage archaeological (n = ± 1 300) and forensic repositories (n = ± 1 000). Museums exclusively curate repositories of archaeological origin and approximately ± 3 700 archaeological individuals can be found countrywide.

CONCLUSIONS

The ethical challenges faced by South African repositories are deeply connected to the country's colonial and apartheid history. Concerns related to consent, autonomy, cultural sensitivity, data availability and the respectful treatment of the deceased, require constant attention and consideration. We highlight several initiatives undertaken to address these issues, including the implementation of new management approaches by repositories, a shift away from using unclaimed bodies, efforts in deaccessioning and repatriation and an increased focus on community engagement.

Opt-in or out? Public perspectives on forensic DNA kinship investigations within the Dutch-speaking community

Forensic DNA kinship investigation involves analyzing genetic relationships between individuals to offer new leads for solving (cold) cases. Familial DNA matching has become a valuable asset in criminal case investigations, especially when traditional DNA methods hit dead ends. However, concerns surrounding ethical and privacy implications raised questions about its implementation and acceptance among the general public. The present study investigated the public perspectives regarding forensic DNA kinship investigations among 1710 Dutch-speaking Belgians using an online cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire consisted of three categories, including personal information, DNA knowledge, and their opinion on several familial DNA searching and investigative genetic genealogy related questions. The participants' average DNA knowledge score was 71 %, indicating a relatively high level of understanding of DNA-related concepts. Remarkably, the study revealed that 92 % of the participants expressed willingness to cooperate as a volunteer in a forensic DNA kinship investigation, irrespective of their scientific background or educational level. Key factors influencing participation included assurance of painless sampling and robust privacy safeguards. Participants lacking familiarity with DNA hesitated more towards participating in forensic DNA analysis, referring to "the fear of the unknown". Despite ethical and privacy concerns, the highly positive attitude towards forensic DNA analysis reflects a level of empathy and willingness to contribute to the pursuit of justice. Nearly all participants (95 %) agreed to use online DNA databases for resolving violent crimes with forensic genetic genealogy, but half emphasized the need for prior informed consent, referring to the current "opt-in" system. The results underscore the need for stringent regulations and ethical oversight to ensure the responsible use of genetic data while striking a balance between public safety and the protection of individuals' privacy rights. These findings add to the growing body of evidence regarding the potential benefits of forensic DNA kinship matching as a tool in criminal investigations, suggesting its potential future utilization and legalization.

Behind every good research there are data. What are they and their importance to forensic science

Data underpinning science have become one of the most precious assets in research, and while the principles of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) have been put forward as a guide to how to approach data handling, data sharing and long-term storage still remain a challenge for many research areas including forensic science. The reporting and the sharing of data can be made easier by giving them structure, the use of suitable labels and the inclusion of descriptors collated into metadata prior to their deposition in repositories with persistent identifiers. Such a systematic approach would strengthen the quality and the integrity of research while providing greater transparency to published materials.

Drilling down into ethics: A thematic review of ethical considerations for the creation and use of 3D printed human remains in crime reconstruction

The existing literature contains some exploration of the ethics concerning human remains in forensic and virtual anthropology. However, previous work has stopped short of interrogating the underlying ethical concepts. The question of how people understand and apply these concepts in practice, and what it means to act ethically, remain underexplored. This thematic review explores the ethical considerations that contribute to the creation and use of 3D printed human remains for forensic purposes. The three main branches of ethical theory are outlined to explore how they may apply to forensic practice. Key themes relating to 3D printing human remains in forensic contexts were explored to better understand the ethics landscape, ethical challenges, and the current guidelines in place. Through this thematic review, nine ethics principles were identified as key principles for guiding best practice: anonymity, autonomy, beneficence, consent, context, justice, non-maleficence, proportionality, and transparency. It is suggested that these principles could be incorporated into adaptable guidelines going forward to support ethical practice. The findings also suggest that holistic ethics cognition training may have value in supporting forensic scientists in ethical decision-making, together with procedural and structural design that may promote best practice and reduce cognitive load.

The effects of DNA profiles: Measuring the effectiveness of DNA banks in criminal investigations in Brazil

Since 2013, the Brazilian National Bank of Genetic Profiles (BNPG) of the Integrated Network of Genetic Profiles Bank (RIBPG) has been used to aid investigations, identifying who committed a crime based on biological samples found at crime scenes or on victims, which may be substantial evidence in a criminal case. This research evaluates the extent to which the types of genetic profiles and the number of hits influence the number of investigations aided. The study used data from institutions of the RIBPG adopting the period from 2016 to 2020 and organized them in a stacked panel with 98 observations. A regression mediation model was built to estimate the influence of the independent variables "forensic unknown profiles," "profiles of convicted offenders," and "profiles of suspected perpetrators or legal profiles" when mediated by the "hits" variable, influence the increase of the dependent variable "investigations aided," identified as a measure of the effectiveness of the forensic DNA banks. The results showed that the 1% increase in the variables "forensic unknown profiles" and "profiles of suspected perpetrators or legal profiles," mediated by "hits," was significant to produce "investigations aided." As for the variable "profiles of convicted offenders," there was no evidence that it contributed significantly to the increase in "hits" and "investigations aided." The study demonstrated that the increase in "forensic unknown profiles" by 126 and "profiles of suspected perpetrators or legal profiles" by 14 led to 12 "hits" in the RIBPG, offering support to 4 cases. The variable "profiles of convicted offenders" did not show significant results in terms of "hits" and "investigations aided."

Integrity, Trustworthiness, and Effectiveness: Towards an Ethos for Forensic Genetics

Forensic genetics comes under critical scrutiny when developments challenge previously accepted legal, ethical, social, and other boundaries. Forensic geneticists continue to build a knowledge culture within a community of practice that acknowledges ethical standards of conduct in both research and the societal application of forensic genetics. As the community further cements and extends its societal role, and in that process often pushing at ethical and legal boundaries, it requires a strong, resilient, and responsive ethos that, in setting clear parameters for conduct, fosters the field's sense of purpose. While supra-national declarations and human rights protections, coupled with local regulations, provide some parameters for practice, and discipline-specific guidance has refined an agenda for forensic genetics research and application, this maturing field needs to now define its core principles. This contribution proposes the values of integrity, trustworthiness, and effectiveness as a foundational triptych for a bespoke forensic genetics ethos to ensure the augmentation of developments that range from a purely science-oriented to a wider societally relevant knowledge culture.

Systematic STR analysis of old post-vasectomy seminal fluid stains to examine evidence stored for 16 years

To understand stored evidence and the insertion in genetic databases is important in forensic investigations. Blood, pre- and post-vasectomy semen from 90 fertile male individuals, aged 24 to 45, were donated for research after informed consent. The semen samples were stored in the form of 30 µL stains on cotton fabric, for 16 years at room temperature in the laboratory. As well as the seminal fluid post vasectomy stains, which were performed after microscopy analyzes and certainty of the absence of spermatozoon. The pre vasectomy stains contained mainly haploid spermatozoon and the post vasectomy stains diploid epithelial cells and leukocytes. DNA extraction was performed with magnetic resin, followed by quantification and analysis of degradation of DNA. In this study we analyze these genetic profiles of DNA from stains on cotton fabric, using two Short Tandem Repeat multiplex systems, the PowerPlex Fusion 6C and Y23. Electrophoresis was performed on a 3500xL and analyzed using the Gene Mapper ID-X software. The genetic profiles of the 90 individuals were fully amplified in pre-vasectomy and partially in post-vasectomy stain samples, using the both multiplex systems. The results provide information about 0.25 cm² semen stains on cotton fabric from 90 individuals, correlating concentration, degradation, and allele analysis. It also provides an understanding of the cells present in semen stains and the implications of individual factors. In the stains of post-vasectomy samples the small quantity of DNA was one of the limiting factors, in addition to degradation. Considering that all evaluations were carried out in a laboratory that has a quality control certificate and audited for being part of the national genetic profile database, the results were very consistent. Many aspects of the semen samples stored in the form of stains on cotton fabric have been clarified. The performance and sensitivity of the amplification systems used in the genotyping of azoospermic individuals were assessed. Conclusions: Genetic profiles were satisfactorily amplified in pre-vasectomy stain samples, and partially amplified in post-vasectomy stain samples, stored for almost two decades at room temperature in a tropical country. The small amount of DNA was one of the limitations in post-vasectomy stain samples, in addition to degradation and fragmentation. There are no publications in the literature on PowerPlex Fusion 6C and Y23 analyses using blood, sperm, and seminal fluids of the same individual, much less in the form of stains. This study can serve as a benchmark for the tracking analyses of stored samples. In addition, it anticipates a few social issues related to the analysis of post-vasectomy samples in forensic cases, most notably sex crimes.

Forensic science in Seychelles: An example of a micro-jurisdiction forensic delivery system

Forensic science has become an indispensable tool for even the smallest of jurisdictions. However, micro-jurisdictions often face significant challenges with respect to resource availability, administration and local governance. This paper examines the forensic service provision in Seychelles as an example of a micro-jurisdiction forensic delivery system. The impact of limited resources and remote access to consumables or services have prompted the prospective shift to localise commonly utilised forensic services. The potential for a solid foundation for a sustainable forensic service is examined in relation to jurisdictions with more advanced forensic service delivery. Reforms of the legal framework, administration, and governance structures are some of the key underpinnings for an effective forensic delivery system built on a culture of transparent science that promotes justice and creates public confidence.

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The Seychelles as an example of a micro-jurisdiction forensic delivery system.

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Geographically remote location brings challenges to sustainable service provision.

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Current investment into capacity building of commonly utilised forensic services.

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Innovative solutions required for effective and efficient forensic delivery system.

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Transparent science culture needed to promote justice and create public confidence.

Interpol review of forensic science management literature 2016-2019

This paper reviews and summarizes the forensic management literature from late 2016 to late 2019, covering laboratory decision making, business strategy, and industry identity and transparency. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.

Archives, promises, values: Forensic infrastructures in times of austerity

This article analyses the role of infrastructures in the ‘bioinformational turn’ in forensic science and examines processes through which evidence is constituted, validated or challenged in and through domains of expertise that engage different techniques, data, objects and knowledges through infrastructural arrangements. While the digitisation of the infrastructures that underpin forensic service delivery promised connectivity, prosperity and wellbeing, in reality it also brought forward new levels of risk and vulnerability, generating new tensions and frictions in the body politic. As genetic science reaches post-archival horizons through new genetic sequencing technologies, forensic science in post-archival times raises questions concerning the differential impact of the fragmentation of analytical and archival infrastructures and increasingly asynchronous bureaucracies whose role is displaced by the relative autonomy of datasets and computational architectures that elude governance, oversight and citizens’ scrutiny.

Can forensic science learn from the COVID-19 crisis?

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Parallel is drawn between the forensic science and the COVID-19 crises.

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Shared approaches of the problem and solutions are identified.

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Diagnostic methodological approach is common to medicine and forensic science.

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Problem resolution requires critical thinking and inter-disciplinary collaborations.

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Forensic science education has never been as needed as today.

This paper draws parallels between the current COVID-19 crisis and the apparent forensic science crisis. It investigates if shared approaches of the problem and solutions could emerge. Some relevant aspects of the medical system as it reacted to the pandemic crisis and the situation in forensic science are presented. Further, three main stages of the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on individuals and society are proposed, highlighting similarities to the effects of forensic science. Finally, some lessons from COVID-19 for forensic science are identified and discussed. It is concluded that forensic science’s best assurance to address current and future challenges, particularly in an increasingly digital environment, remains a sound scientific approach, including critical thinking and inter-disciplinary collaborations.

Forensic DNA testing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

The aggressive nature of the new SARS-2 corona virus now referred to as SARS-CoV-2 ; the seriousness and length of the period of infection; the fast and far-reaching transmissibility via liquid droplets that become air-borne when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks with increasing evidence to support actual airborne transmission; the presence of viral particles especially in body fluids and tissues, of viral positive individuals; and the persistence of the virus on different types of surfaces pose serious concerns for forensic practitioners, including forensic DNA analysts. Many forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies need to address the inevitable changes that must be made in forensic DNA testing. In this article, we explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the collection, handling, storage and transport of biological samples for downstream DNA testing. This paper aims to open discussions on the urgency of balancing the need to conduct investigations in order to maintain public order with the requirements of effective biosafety protocols specifically formulated to protect human resources within the forensic science community.

Forensic science in Ghana: A review

The use of forensic science continues to grow across the world. In Ghana, major advancements took off in 2011, including the introduction of modern DNA profiling and the establishment of an automated fingerprint identification system. These developments have led to some positive impacts on the delivery of justice, including the exoneration of a wrongly incarcerated individual. However, a review of the policy-related aspects of forensic science shows gaps in legislation, governance, service provision, quality assurance and accreditation, education and research. An important recommendation to improve forensic science in Ghana is the creation of a “national policy strategy”, a blueprint informed by relevant stakeholders, best practice from other countries and the status of the field. Resolutions to the policy issues identified in this review will ensure a more robust application of forensic science in delivering safe justice and enhancing public security.