19th International Symposium On Human Identification Features Advances And Applications In DNA Testing

Main Category: Genetics
Also Included In: Conferences
Article Date: 05 Oct 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The expanding power of DNA analysis is a key focus of this year's 19th International Symposium on Human Identification hosted by Promega Corporation. This year, keynote speaker, Dr. Sean Carroll will discuss the utility of DNA as the "Ultimate Record of Evolution." Additional presentations will feature methods used to identify the slain children of Czar Nicholas who were murdered during the Bolshevik Revolution and advanced technologies used to identify a murderer in a serial murder case in Canada that claimed the lives of nearly 50 women.

New methods in DNA analysis which are advancing processes in the crime lab will be highlighted throughout the symposium presentations and discussions. "Because DNA analysis methods and throughput capacity are advancing exponentially, DNA analysts face growing pressures to improve laboratory processes and efficiency," explains Promega Genetic Identity Director Len Goren. "The annual symposium on human identification provides a focused forum for DNA analysts to learn new techniques, discuss difficult questions and share their approaches to the complex cases that arise."

The popular "Interesting Cases" session will spotlight some of the more unusual cases that were solved through the application of DNA analysis. Cases involve the usual line-up of unexpected circumstances and surfaces generating DNA clues including: the "roll" of duct tape, the appetite of a burglar and the use of a vehicle as a weapon.

The symposium runs October 13-16 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, 1755 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028. For more information visit www.promega.com/geneticsymp19.

About Promega

Promega Corporation is a leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. The company's 2,000 products enable scientists worldwide to advance their knowledge in genomics, proteomics, cellular analysis, molecular diagnostics and human identification. Founded in 1978, the company is headquartered in Madison, WI, USA with branches in 14 countries and over 50 global distributors. For more information about Promega, visit www.promega.com.