From Ancient Bones to the Future of DNA Technologies: Forensic Experts Gather for Exclusive Symposium on Human Identity

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 20th International Symposium on Human Identification will highlight advances in DNA technology and explore controversial issues brought about by the expanded power and use of DNA typing. Over 600 forensic analysts from around the world will attend the three-day symposium, which is the only event of its kind. Keynote speaker Donald Johanson will open this year’s conference. Johanson, founder of the Institute of Human Origins, is best known for his discovery of Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old hominid skeleton. Other sessions include:

• Implications for the forensic community from the 2009 National Association of Science (NAS) report. This report suggests policy changes that will have an impact on DNA analysis in forensic labs (Peter Marone, Virginia Department of Forensic Science).
• Impact from adoption of the new European standard set of loci for sharing DNA profiles across countries (or borders) (Martin Eckert, Bundeskriminalamt Wiesbaden).
• Expert panel discussion on the possibilities and concerns of DNA testing for low-copy-number samples.
• New guidelines for mass fatality DNA identification operations, presented by members of American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

The always popular “Interesting Cases” session spotlights some of the more unusual and difficult cases that benefited from DNA analysis. This year’s cases include a case involving dismemberment and disposal, a cold case solved after thirty years with evidence from the victim’s fingernails, and a case where a sniffer dog led police to the wrong suspect.

This year’s symposium will be held:

• October 12-15
• JW Marriott Resort and Spa at Summerlin
• 221 North Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89145

This symposium for forensic experts and suppliers is offered through Promega Corporation. 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.

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