DNA-barcoding for forensics: experiences from three years of BopCo
| dc.contributor.author | Meganck, K. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Smitz, N. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Gombeer, S. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Van Bourgonie, YR. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Backeljau, T. | |
| dc.contributor.author | De Meyer, M. | |
| dc.date | 2019 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-03-14T13:21:03Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-03-14T13:21:03Z | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://orfeo.belnet.be/handle/internal/12396 | |
| dc.description | Background The Barcoding Facility for Organisms and Tissues of Policy Concern (BopCo) aims to act as a focal point for the species identification of biological materials of policy concern in Belgium and beyond. The identification service, be it by morphology or DNA-barcoding, is available to any stakeholder (e.g. forensic investigators, insurance brokers, legal services, etc.) who deals with biological materials of policy concern in need of an accurate identification. Additionally, cases of interest often rely on a reliable reference database of sequences, here too BopCo plays an important role on many levels. In this talk we would like to present examples of forensic identification requests handled by BopCo. Results Among other examples that will be discussed are: (i) the identification of species involved in birdstrikes based on feathers, blood and/or tissue remains, in order that civilian and military flight management can implement appropriate strategies, (ii) the construction of a reference DNA barcode library for the Belgian rove beetles (Staphylinidae), whose species specific developmental timing is informative for crime investigators to estimate the post-mortem interval, (iii) several CITES-related requests, e.g. the identification of a bivalve shell used in a piece of art intercepted at the airport and the screening of confiscated dietary pills for the presence of a CITES-listed Aloe species, and (iv) identification to the level of breed from hairs of domesticated dogs and cows. Significance Forensic samples often comprise only pieces or fragments of organisms, yet still need accurate identification so that suitable actions can be taken and/or rules and policies implemented. In these cases DNA barcoding offers an important added value to perform reliable species identifications. In our experiences, however, we have also encountered limitations of the technique; this emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach when handling difficult samples. | |
| dc.language | eng | |
| dc.title | DNA-barcoding for forensics: experiences from three years of BopCo | |
| dc.type | Conference | |
| dc.subject.frascati | Biological sciences | |
| dc.audience | Scientific | |
| dc.subject.free | Invertebrates | |
| dc.source.title | 8th International Barcode of Life Conference | |
| dc.source.page | 120 | |
| Orfeo.peerreviewed | No | |
| dc.identifier.doi | 10.1139/gen-2016-0195 | |
| dc.identifier.rmca | 5749 |
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