The experiment was conducted at the Biological and Chemical Examinations Department of the State Forensic Science Bureau to assess how bone burning affects the ability to determine an animal species using nhDNA (i.e., plant and animal DNA) analysis methods. The results help to better understand when thermally damaged bones are still suitable for DNA analysis and in which cases DNA is expected to be irreversibly degraded. 🔥 In investigations of fires, burnings, and attempts to conceal traces,…
The experiment was conducted at the Biological and Chemical Examinations Department of the State Forensic Science Bureau to assess how bone burning affects the ability to determine an animal species using nhDNA (i.e., plant and animal DNA) analysis methods. The results help to better understand when thermally damaged bones are still suitable for DNA analysis and in which cases DNA is expected to be irreversibly degraded. 🔥 In investigations of fires, burnings, and attempts to conceal traces, charred or burned bone remains are often found. DNA analysis under such conditions is challenging because high temperatures and prolonged thermal exposure degrade DNA. 🔬 In the test, bone samples were heated at high temperatures for different time…
