DNA Tools for Missing Persons Investigations: Improved DNA Recovery

• Increasing the Predictability and Success Rate of Skeletal Evidence Typing: Using Physical Characteristics of Bone as a Metric for DNA Quality and Quantity
  Michigan State University ($175,111)
  This project will provide useful information to guide a forensic DNA analyst in the most appropriate strategy for successfully analyzing aged skeletal remains.
• Developing a High Yield DNA Isolation Method Using Matrix Proteinase for Compromised Skeletal Samples
  Sam Houston State University ($25,001)
  This project seeks to improve the quality and yield of DNA from skeletal remains through an examination of the ability of a number of candidate proteinases to digest the bone matrix protein networks.
• Assessment and In Vitro Repair of Damaged DNA Templates
  University of Central Florida ($285,047)
  This project seeks to develop tools for assessing DNA damage in biological evidence, followed by repair of this damage in order to successfully generate STR data.