DNA key in forensic cases
Lecture series focuses on health, genetics
by Violetta Rocha, Reporter

"Polymerize Chain Reaction (PSR) allows amplified DNA of small pieces, such as a single hair, cigarette butt or used bottle to help identify one person with the exception of identical twins." --- Dr. Arthur J. Eisenberg, associate professor of pathology and anatomy

  Seldom heard of a few years ago, genetics has moved to the forefront, a professor from University of North Texas told a SE Campus audience recently.
  “A few years ago, genetics was not useful, and now it has become the most significant tool in forensic cases, paternity testing, missing persons and unidentified remains,” he said.
   Dr. Arthur J. Eisenberg, associate professor of pathology and anatomy and director of the DNA Identity Laboratory at the UNT Health Science Center, presented The Issues of DNA Forensics & Human Geneticism, during the SE Campus Health Fair. His was the final presentation in Focusing on Health, Education and Disabilities, a three-part series.
   Eisenberg explained the advances of using and identifying DNA.
   “Blood, semen, saliva, hair or teeth are some biological sources to obtain DNA,” he said.
   As director of the DNA Identify Laboratory, he was responsible for developing a state-of-the-art clinical reference laboratory utilizing DNA methodologies for the determination of paternity, forensics identification and the diagnosis of other genetic diseases.
   “Polymerize Chain Reaction (PSR) allows amplified DNA of small pieces, such as a single hair, cigarette butt or used bottle to help identify one person with the exception of identical twins,” he said.
   Eisenberg has been a member of the FBI’s Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methodologies for the past 14 years.
   MDNA is the most used method for DNA determination, Eisenberg said.
   “Mitochondria are extra nuclear organelles from mothers in the egg,” he said.
   Eisenberg said scientists have several methods of identifying remains, including bone marrow donor sample, biopsy sample and new-born blood screens.
   Recently, Eisenberg served on the Kinship and Data Analysis Panel established by the National Institute of Justice to assist the New York Medical Examiners office in the Identification of the remains from the World Trade Center disaster.