Forensic Ecogenomics

Forensic Ecogenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Contexts provides intelligence on important topics, including environmental sample provenance, how to indicate the body decomposition timeline to support postmortem interval (PMI) and postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) estimates, and how to enhance identification of clandestine and transit grave locations. A diverse group of international experts have come together to present a clear perspective of forensic ecogenomics that encapsulates cutting-edge, topical and relevant cross-disciplinary approaches vital to the field. Considers the effects of decomposition on bacterial, fungal and mesofaunal populations in pristine ecosystems Examines the role of the microbiome, necrobiome and thanatomicrobiome in postmortem interval estimations Focuses on the application of different analytical techniques across forensics to enhance/expand the crime scene investigation toolkit Written by a wide range of international experts in their respective fields

Forensic geology is the application of geology to aid the investigation of crime. A Guide to Forensic Geology was written by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), Initiative on Forensic Geology (IFG), which was established to promote and develop forensic geology around the world. This book presents the first practical guide for forensic geologists in search and geological trace evidence analysis. Guidance is provided on using geological methods during search operations. This developed following international case work experiences and research over the last 25 years for homicide graves, burials associated with serious and organised crime and counter terrorism. With expertise gained in over 300 serious crime investigations, the guidance also considers geological trace evidence, including the examination of crime scenes, geological evidence recovery and analysis from exhibits and the reporting of results. The book also considers the judicial system, reporting and requirements for presenting evidence in court. Included are emerging applications of geology to police and law enforcement: illegal and illicit mining, conflict minerals, substitution, adulteration, fraud and fakery.

Forensic Anthropology serves as a graduate level text for those studying and teaching forensic anthropology, as well as an excellent reference for forensic anthropologist libraries or for use in casework. Covers taphonomy, recovery and analysis, identification, statistical interpretation, and professional issues. Edited by a world-renowned leading forensic expert, the Advanced Forensic Science Series grew out of the recommendations from the 2009 NAS Report, Strengthening Forensic Science: A Path Forward, and is a long overdue solution for the forensic science community. Provides the basic principles of forensic science and an overview of forensic anthropology Contains sections on taphonomy, recovery, analysis, pathology, and identification Covers statistical interpretation of evidence using the classical-frequentist approach and Bayesian analysis, measurement uncertainty, and standard methods Includes a section on professional issues, such as: from crime scene to court, expert witness testimony, and health and safety Incorporates effective pedagogy, key terms, review questions, discussion questions, and additional reading suggestions

New York Times Bestseller Winner of a Goodreads Choice Award “Funny, dark, and at times stunningly existential.” —Marianne Eloise, Guardian Everyone has questions about death. In Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?, best-selling author and mortician Caitlin Doughty answers the most intriguing questions she’s ever received about what happens to our bodies when we die. In a brisk, informative, and morbidly funny style, Doughty explores everything from ancient Egyptian death rituals and the science of skeletons to flesh-eating insects and the proper depth at which to bury your pet if you want Fluffy to become a mummy. Now featuring an interview with a clinical expert on discussing these issues with young people—the source of some of our most revealing questions about death—Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? confronts our common fear of dying with candid, honest, and hilarious facts about what awaits the body we leave behind.

If you are studying forensic science, or a related course such as forensic chemistry or biology, then this book will be an indispensable companion throughout your entire degree programme. This ' one-stop' text will guide you through the wide range of practical, analytical and data handling skills that you will need during your studies. It will also give you a solid grounding in the wider transferable skills such as teamwork and study skills.

Links have recently been established between the study of death assemblages by archaeologists and paleontologists (taphonomy) and the application of physical anthropology concepts to the medicolegal investigation of death (forensic anthropology). Forensic Taphonomy explains these links in a broad-based, multidisciplinary volume. It applies taphonomic models in modern forensic contexts and uses forensic cases to extend taphonomic theories. Review articles, case reports, and chapters on methodology round out this book's unique approach to forensic science.

Designated a Doody's Core Title! The third edition of this award-winning text provides new and updated knowledge about genetics issues relevant to nursing practice. Read in sequence or used as a reference, this is a comprehensive overview of how genetics affetcs the care that nurses provide. In addition to a summary of basic human genetics and discussion of the Human Genome Project, this new edition includes the latest research findings and implications about inheritance, major genetic disorders (cytogenetics or chromosomal, inherited biochemical, and congenital anomalies), and genetics in twin studies. A consideration of the ethical impact of genetics on society and future generations, as well as information on assisted reproduction round out the overview. Includes over 100 illustrations and photos of specific genetic disorders; tables and figures on the distribution of disease; and an extensive appendix listing associations, organizations, and websites relevant to genetics.

Understanding the play between heredity and environment, andrelating it to disease causation, is the task of ecogenetics.Gene-Environment Interactions: Fundamentals of Ecogenetics presentsthe first comprehensive survey of this discipline, reflecting itsrelationship with toxicology, epidemiology, pharmacology, publichealth, and other medical and biological fields. Divided into four sections, the text elucidates key basic andadvanced topics: * Section 1 covers fundamentals, including the history of thediscipline, a discussion of the molecular laboratory toolscurrently available to assess genotypes, using such measurements inmolecular epidemiology studies, and the statistical issues involvedin their analysis. * Section 2 focuses on a number of key genetic polymorphismsrelevant for ecogenetics, including enzymes of phase I and phase IImetabolism, enzymes involved in DNA repair, as well as receptorsand ion channels. This highlights characteristics of selected,widely studied genotypic/phenotypic differences, and allowsdiscussion of how given genetic variations can influence responsesto exogenous chemicals. * Section 3 examines gene-environment interactions through adisease-based approach, addressing how genetic polymorphisms caninfluence susceptibility to various diseases. Chapters coverimportant disease conditions such as various types of cancer,neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, chronicpulmonary diseases, infectious diseases, diabetes, andobesity. * The final section discusses the ethical, legal, and social issuesthat arise when investigating and evaluating genetic polymorphismsin human populations, as well as the impact of ecogenetics on riskassessment, regulatory policies, and medicine and publichealth. Packed with clear examples illustrating concepts, as well asnumerous tables and figures, Gene-Environment Interactions:Fundamentals of Ecogenetics is a unique resource for a wide rangeof physicians, students, and other specialists.

" Designated a Doody's Core Title! REFRESH YOUR GENETIC KNOWLEDGE AND ENHANCE YOUR PATIENT CARE We now know that genetic factors can cause disease or affect an individual's susceptibility or resistance to disorders and even to treatment. To provide the best nursing care, it is therefore essential that practitioners and students have a basic knowledge of the science of genetics and how it affects the major areas of nursing expertise. To address this need, Dr. Felissa Lashley has created this essentials guide specifically for nurses. From genetic factors and trends affecting health care today, to the more complex discussions of human variation, every genetic topic critical to the practice of nursing and nursing education is covered, including: Prevention of Genetic Disease Genetic Testing and Treatment Genetic Counseling Maternal-Child Nursing Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Community/Public Health Nursing Trends, Policies, and Social and Ethical Issues Each chapter examines how genetic information influences treatment and management and is intended to further the development of a nurse's genetic eye in the daily care of patients. "

Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology outlines the cutting-edge research on the interactions of complex microbial populations and their functional, structural, and compositional dynamics, as well as the microbial ecology of biochar application to soil, the use of different phyto-chemical analyses, possibilities for future research, and recommendations for climate change policy. Biochar, or charcoal produced from plant matter and applied to soil, has become increasingly recognized as having the potential to address multiple contemporary concerns, such as agricultural productivity and contaminated ecosystem amelioration, primarily by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and improving soil functions. Biochar Application is the first reference to offer a complete assessment of the various impacts of biochar on soil and ecosystems, and includes chapters analyzing all aspects of biochar technology and application to soil, from ecogenomic analyses and application ratios to nutrient cycling and next generation sequencing. Written by a team of international authors with interdisciplinary knowledge of biochar, this reference will provide a platform where collaborating teams can find a common resource to establish outcomes and identify future research needs throughout the world. Includes multiple tables and figures per chapter to aid in analysis and understanding Includes a comprehensive table of the methods used within the contents, ecosystems, contaminants, future research, and application opportunities explored in the book Includes knowledge gaps and directions of future research to stimulate further discussion in the field and in climate change policy Outlines the latest research on the interactions of complex microbial populations and their functional, structural, and compositional dynamics Offers an assessment of the impacts of biochar on soil and ecosystems

Soils have important roles to play in criminal and environmental forensic science. Since the initial concept of using soil in forensic investigations was mooted by Conan Doyle in his Sherlock Holmes stories prior to real-world applications, this branch of forensic science has become increasingly sophisticated and broad. New techniques in chemical, physical, biological, ecological and spatial analysis, coupled with informatics, are being applied to reducing areas of search by investigators, site identification, site comparison and measurement for the eventual use as evidence in court. Soils can provide intelligence, in assisting the determination of the provenance of samples from artifacts, victims or suspects, enabling their linkage to locations or other evidence. They also modulate change in surface or buried cadavers and hence affect the ability to estimate post-mortem or post-burial intervals, and locate clandestine graves. This interdisciplinary volume explores the conceptual and practical interplay of soil and geoforensics across the scientific, investigative and legal fields. Supported by reviews, case-studies from across the world, and reports of original research, it demonstrates the increasing convergence of a wide range of knowledge. It covers conceptual issues, evidence (from recovery to use in court), geoforensics, taphonomy, as well as leading-edge technologies. The application of the resultant soil forensics toolbox is leading to significant advances in improving crime detection, and environmental and national security.

A truly interdisciplinary approach to this core subject within Forensic Science Combines essential theory with practical crime scene work Includes case studies Applicable to all time periods so has relevance for conventional archaeology, prehistory and anthropology Combines points of view from both established practitioners and young researchers to ensure relevance

Although we can't usually see them, microbes are essential for every part of human life -- indeed all life on Earth. The emerging field of metagenomics offers a new way of exploring the microbial world that will transform modern microbiology and lead to practical applications in medicine, agriculture, alternative energy, environmental remediation, and many others areas. Metagenomics allows researchers to look at the genomes of all of the microbes in an environment at once, providing a "meta" view of the whole microbial community and the complex interactions within it. It's a quantum leap beyond traditional research techniques that rely on studying -- one at a time -- the few microbes that can be grown in the laboratory. At the request of the National Science Foundation, five Institutes of the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy, the National Research Council organized a committee to address the current state of metagenomics and identify obstacles current researchers are facing in order to determine how to best support the field and encourage its success. The New Science of Metagenomics recommends the establishment of a "Global Metagenomics Initiative" comprising a small number of large-scale metagenomics projects as well as many medium- and small-scale projects to advance the technology and develop the standard practices needed to advance the field. The report also addresses database needs, methodological challenges, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in supporting this new field.