Forensic DNA Typing, Second Edition: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers [Hardcover]

John M. Butler Ph.D. (Analytical Chemistry) University of Virginia (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0121479528 | ISBN-13: 978-0121479527 | Publication Date: March 8, 2005 | Edition: 2

Since the enormously successful first edition of Forensic DNA Typing was published, the Human Genome Project has published a draft sequence of the human genome and completed the "finished" reference sequence. The advent of modern DNA technology has resulted in the increased ability to perform human identity testing-desirable in a number of situations including the determination of perpetrators of violent crime such as murder and rape, resolving unestablished paternity, and identifying remains of missing persons or victims of mass disasters. The technology has been utilized in identifying remains from victims of the World Trade Center twin towers collapse following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal, and the identification of the remains in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Indeed, our perceptions of history have been changed with DNA evidence that revealed Thomas Jefferson fathered a child by one of his slaves. This book examines the science of current forensic DNA typing methods by focusing on the biology, technology, and genetic interpretation of short tandem repeat (STR) markers, which encompass the most common forensic DNA analysis methods used today. Ten new chapters have been added to accommodate the explosion of new information since the turn of the century.

*The only book available that specifically covers detailed information on mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome
*Chapters cover the topic from introductory level right up to "cutting edge" research
*High-profile cases are addressed throughout the book, near the sections dealing with the science or issues behind these cases
*NEW TO THIS EDITION: D.N.A. Boxes--boxed "Data, Notes & Applications" sections throughout the book offer higher levels of detail on specific questions

Editorial Reviews

Review

"When they write the history of forensic science for our times, Forensic DNA Typing will be cited as the classic text on the subject. John Butler's organizational and communication skills have created a book unsurpassed in its abilities to guide a reader through the principles and practices of this complex but critical subject. This book is must reading for forensic educators and their students, and requires a prominent place on the shelf of every forensic and legal practitioner."-Richard Saferstein, Ph.D., Author and Forensic Science Consultant

"The much-anticipated second edition of Dr. John Butler's Forensic DNA Typing provides an enormous amount of new and valuable information about DNA typing and the issues associated with this technology. It is a 'must read' for scientists, lawyers, academics, students, police officers or anyone who wants to understand modern DNA testing and the ways in which it has transformed criminal justice systems in the United States and around the world."-Stephen Hogan, Esq., Instructor, Forensic Biology, SUNY-Albany; Faculty Member, DNA Forensics Program, American Prosecutors Research Institute

...it will be clear that the book is an exceptionally comprehensive reference, touching on every relevant aspect of current forensic DNA typing practice. Apart from coverage, the book is well edited, attractively laid out, and makes productive use of its four-color format. Abundant figures and tables help explain and enumerate basic concepts as needed. A feature that is found in several parts of the book that I found particularly appealing is the detailed sourcing of information. This is a very good book, and will serve many practitioners and students of forensic DNA typing as a single source reference. It could also serve as a text for a one semester graduate level course in forensic DNA typing and technology. It is hard to think of a topic in forensic DNA typing that is not treated in the book. Accordingly, it will be a sort of standard reference book in the area. If there are plans to keep the book up to date every few years, it has the potential to become the standard reference, perhaps something akin to Clarke in drugs and toxicology. A final point is that the book is a phenomenal bargain in this day and age at around $80 a copy. There are probably minor things about which one could quibble, but it doesn't seem productive to do so when the overall product is so good. - Journal of Forensic Sciences

"Students, lecturers and laboratory workers will all welcome this new edition. At 660 pages it is double the size of the former edition and clearly contains a great deal of new material as well as having been re-arranged. Dr. Butler's book goes far beyond dealing just with high profile cases and mass disasters. He has taken the opportunity in the expanded volume to explain all aspects of DNA typing in greater detail and has produced a volume which is not only informative but high readable. It is as much a book to be enjoyed by the scientist as one to educate and inform. This is a volume which contains something of value to all forensic scientists. It does not talk down to the reader but serves as a balanced guide through the rapidly developing field of DNA studies. It is a book that should be purchased rather than borrowed or just referred to as it is an outstanding guide to the subject. - Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine

Book Description

This enormously successful book gains ten new chapters on DNA typing sytems, mitochondrial DNA markers, Y chomosomes, and statistical analysis of short tandem repeat (STR) typing data --providing valuable insight on this fascinating new technology!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 688 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (March 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0121479528
• ISBN-13: 978-0121479527
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,970 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly, an outstanding piece of work!, March 28, 2001

By 

Diana K Midgley (BURKE, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forensic DNA Typing: Biology and Technology Behind STR Markers (Hardcover)

While Dr. Butler's book on DNA typing is clearly based on experience and profound understanding of the subject, I was most impressed with the readability. I was thrilled to find principles illustrated by examples from current events! Students of science will find this book refreshing. Well written (and edited)!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Breakthrough in Forensics This Year! - A Must Have Book!, March 20, 2001

By 

Dr. Robert S. Jones (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forensic DNA Typing: Biology and Technology Behind STR Markers (Hardcover)

Dr. Butler takes a very complex subject and makes it easy enough for the novice to understand, yet is comprehensive enough for the professional research analyst. It is full of excellent research and observations on one of the most exciting and innovative technologies in DNA research that has been discovered in recent years. This book, without a doubt, will stand the test of time as being the authoritative reference on DNA forensic research. This book is packed with research and information that will enlighten you to the technological breakthroughs that are being made in forensic science. I have heard Dr. Butler speak and read several of his papers. He is without question the expert in DNA analysis with STR markers and this book has the distinction of being the best book ever written on the subject. Get this book, study it and find out why STR markers are the groundbreaking method for DNA analysis. If you are in any way involved with DNA research, you will find this book a desktop reference you will turn to again and again.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous work!, March 20, 2001

By 

jwb64 (Provo, UT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forensic DNA Typing: Biology and Technology Behind STR Markers (Hardcover)

This book has opened my eyes to the vast world of DNA analysis. It is an invaluable resource to those who want to understand how criminal justice will advance into the new millennium. Butler's text will be the keystone of DNA analysis in the future. I look forward to revised editions as new things arise.