Biology

 **__Forensic Biology __** Quinten Hollywood Paille & Alexandria Broadway Olsen =__Overview __= Biology is a key component of forensic science. Biology encompasses a broad spectrum of forensic sciences such as Anthropology, Ontology, Toxicology, Botany, Archaeology, finger printing, and DNA Analysis.

We will be digging deeper into the DNA Biology aspect of forensic science.

DNA analysis is used top identify people based on the order of base pairs in their DNA. Each person has a unique set of genes with different orders of pairs, everyone except identical twins because they shared that same egg!
 * __What is DNA Analysis?__**

By using DNA testing and deciphering ones DNA you can then trace the person using samples found at and around the crime scene.

__**HOW DOES DNA TESTING WORK?**__
media type="youtube" key="qZeYu76bOsQ" width="560" height="315" =__Process of DNA Testing__=
 * Forensic biologists can test DNA from not only cells but from organelles. Mitochondria in our cells have their own DNA because Mitochondria used to live symbiotically with cells far back in history when living organisms were just beginning.
 * 1) Sample of biological material is collected from suspect, crime scene, victim, etc.
 * 2) This sample is then sent to a lab to a Forensic Biologist.
 * 3) The sample is placed put through a specialized machine which deciphers the differences in ones genetic code.
 * 4) Recorded data from the machine is compared between samples to prove a pairing or disprove any connection between samples because each persons DNA is unique.

__Materials/Resources Used in DNA testing in Forensic Biology __
 * DNA databases**- A DNA database is a saved record of past DNA samples which can be referred to later for matches. Canada national DNA database is called "The National DNA Database Bank" (NDDB). It was established in 1998 but wasn't put into use until 2000. Prior to this Canadian biologists could use DNA testing but had no ongoing record of previous results.

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 * Rapid Hit Machine**- This is the name of one of the machines which was test DNA and is used in the USA, Australia,China, some countries in Africa and Europe but not Canada quite yet.


 * Swabs**-collecting smears which are used while collecting DNA samples.

= = __Education & Salary __ In order to become a forensic scientist you must complete a.... -High school education with high marks in order to be accepted into --> -University: You must obtain a Bachelors degree in science. BSc requires physics, chemistry, biology and math classes. -Once you have completed you bachelor of science you much obtain an advanced degree for you specific job in the field of Biology such as Mater in Anthropology, just one of the many other degrees in this field. Post secondary education in this field takes anywhere from four to eight years. __**4-8 Years**__
 * Protective Gear: gloves, lab coat/apron,** **goggles-**This equipment may seem like a given but it is critical to use precautions not to contaminate any samples for they may become inadmissible to court if they have been tainted.

Once you succeed your education you may then apply to a job in you preferred field. The average salary of a forensic biologist is **$27,000-52,000** a year.

=__ Aid to Law Enforcement __= This type of testing has become a crucial part of forensic science and is very accurate in pairing perpetrators with crimes. Shows such as CSI and Criminal Minds show DNA testing as a simple procedure that can be done in minutes, this is a theatrical demonstration of the link between Forensic Biology and law enforcement. However much of that depiction is a myth because in reality it can take weeks for experiments like this to be completed, especially with out a Rapid Hit machine. The main aid to law enforcement is DNA testers ability to identify potential victims and pair them to the scene of the crime.This is helpful since it allows the law to link clues that otherwise would go undetected. Criminals are not able to change there DNA so this testing is always accurate. Overall DNA testing is one of the most helpful tools that the law has at its fingertips since a DNA match can always be used as significant evidence.

=__ Criminal Case __= **R. v. Ware** In September 1996 the first use of Mitochondria dan was used in forensic science in the case R v. Ware. Paul Ware raped and killed a four year old girl named Lindsey Green in her home. Ware was found passed out and intoxicated next to her body.

Though his position was incriminating he claimed it was a set up and that he had no clue what happened because he was drunk. Forensics scientists proved otherwise using Forensic DNA testing. They found hair fibres in the back of her throat which they used to match Ware to the crime. This type of testing was revolutionary in the feel and is now used routinely for intensifications in disaster victims and criminal investigations.

=__Bibliography__= Websites:
 * http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2844764/The-hi-tech-DNA-testing-machine-identify-criminals-ninety-MINUTES.html
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_profiling
 * http://genetics.thetech.org/original_news/news16
 * http://www.scientific.org/tutorials/articles/riley/riley.html
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_profiling#Mitochondrial_analysis
 * http://aafs.org/students/student-career/how-do-i-become-forensic-scientist
 * http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/128/Forensic_Biologist

Books:

Science versus Crime Author Max M. Houck Copyright 2009 132 West 31st Street, New York, New York.