- Website:
forensicscienceandwildlifematters.com.au
- Ancient DNA, Forensic Wildlife, Animal Hair Morphological Identification, High Throughput Sequencing, Metagenomics, Museum Studies, and 9 moreForensic Anthropology, Bioarchaeology, Forensic Science, Mass Disaster Preparedness/Management, Human Provenancing, Taphonomy, Zooarchaeology, Mammalogy, and Ancient DNA Researchedit
- Forensic biologist of 30+ years standing, working in a number of forensic laboratories across the globe. Areas of for... moreForensic biologist of 30+ years standing, working in a number of forensic laboratories across the globe. Areas of forensic expertise are:
i) DNA profiling (STRs), interpretation of profiles and performing statistical weighting of profiles
ii) National and International standing as a forensic human and animal hair examiner in the interpretation of genetic and acquired characteristics.
iii) National and international standing in the identification of animal (non human) hairs in areas of crimes against the person, forensic wildlife, faunal ecological studies and conservation. Member of Society for Wildlife Forensic Science.
iv) Crime scene examiner for ~ 15 years in relation to the interpretation as a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst and collection of forensic biological evidence.
v) Interpretation of damage to textile fibres
vi) Forensic Consultant in relation to matters within the scope of Forensic Biology.
The first to explore the potential of metagenomics to investigate the potential of forensic attribution based on bacterial not human DNA. Results published in 'Investigative Genetics' (2014) vol: 5, issue 1, pp 1-13
Present workshops and lectures to Tertiary students in WA and SA
Based in Adelaide, SAedit
Research Interests:
This article reviews the examination of animal hairs and their role in the forensic arena. The forensic examination of animal hair is a well-established discipline and has been so for two centuries. Examination is largely based on... more
This article reviews the examination of animal hairs and their role in the forensic arena. The forensic examination of animal hair is a well-established discipline and has been so for two centuries. Examination is largely based on microscopy, which may enable the hair analyst to identify a hair as animal in origin, to characterize the hair to a particular species, and to conduct comparative examinations. Education and training underpin the ability of the hair analyst with the specialized knowledge and expertise required to proficiently conduct these examinations and give appropriate weight to the findings. This article will also discuss the effect two relative “newcomers” have exerted on the forensic examination of animal hair — (a) the transfer and persistence of animal hairs and (b) DNA profiling. Opinions regarding the transfer and persistence of animal hairs have been based on the data obtained from studies conducted on textile fibers because of the lack of data available for animal hairs. Preliminary studies conducted specifically on the transfer and persistence of animal hairs has shown that the results are comparable to the studies conducted on textile fibers. The progress in DNA profiling has seen this method being used with increasing frequency in the examination of animal hair. The results provide a degree of individualization that has not been possible with comparative microscopy. In conclusion, this review article will clearly demonstrate the role, value, and eclectic application of animal hair examination to forensic science.
Research Interests:
Background: Mammalian hairs are one of the most ubiquitous types of trace evidence collected in the course of forensic investigations. However, hairs that are naturally shed or that lack roots are problematic substrates for DNA profiling;... more
Background: Mammalian hairs are one of the most ubiquitous types of trace evidence collected in the course of forensic investigations. However, hairs that are naturally shed or that lack roots are problematic substrates for DNA profiling; these hair types often contain insufficient nuclear DNA to yield short tandem repeat (STR) profiles. Whilst there have been a number of initial investigations evaluating the value of metagenomics analyses for forensic applications (e.g. examination of computer keyboards), there have been no metagenomic evaluations of human hairs—a substrate commonly encountered during forensic practice. This present study attempts to address this forensic capability gap, by conducting a qualitative assessment into the applicability of metagenomic analyses of human scalp and pubic hair. Results: Forty-two DNA extracts obtained from human scalp and pubic hairs generated a total of 79,766 reads, yielding 39,814 reads post control and abundance filtering. The results revealed the presence of unique combinations of microbial taxa that can enable discrimination between individuals and signature taxa indigenous to female pubic hairs. Microbial data from a single co-habiting couple added an extra dimension to the study by suggesting that metagenomic analyses might be of evidentiary value in sexual assault cases when other associative evidence is not present. Conclusions: Of all the data generated in this study, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data generated from pubic hair held the most potential for forensic applications. Metagenomic analyses of human hairs may provide independent data to augment other forensic results and possibly provide association between victims of sexual assault and offender when other associative evidence is absent. Based on results garnered in the present study, we believe that with further development, bacterial profiling of hair will become a valuable addition to the forensic toolkit.
Research Interests:
The large extinct megafaunal species of the Late Pleistocene, Mammuthus primigenius (woolly mammoth) and Coelodonta antiquitatis (woolly rhino) are renowned for their pelage. Despite this, very little research has been conducted on the... more
The large extinct megafaunal species of the Late Pleistocene, Mammuthus primigenius (woolly mammoth) and Coelodonta antiquitatis (woolly rhino) are renowned for their pelage. Despite this, very little research has been conducted on the form and function of hair from these iconic species. Using permafrost preserved hair samples from seven extinct megafaunal remains, this study presents an in-depth microscopical characterisation of preservation, taphonomy, microbial damage, pigmentation and morphological features of more than 420 hairs. The presence of unique structural features in hairs, from two extinct megafauna species, such as multiple medullae and unparallelled stiffness suggests evolution of traits that may have been critical for their survival in the harsh arctic environment. Lastly, despite popular depictions of red-haired and/or uniformly coloured mammoths, a closer examination of pigmentation reveals that mammoth coats may have exhibited a mottled/variegated appearance and that their ‘true’ colours were not the vivid red/orange colour often depicted in reconstructions. Insights gained from microscopical examination of hundreds of extinct megafauna hairs demonstrae the value of extracting as much morphological data as possible from ancient hairs prior to destructive sampling for molecular analyses.
Research Interests:
An initial investigation of the application of laser scanning confocal microscopy to the examination of hairs and fibers has been conducted. This technique allows the production of virtual transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional... more
An initial investigation of the application of laser scanning confocal microscopy to the examination of hairs and fibers has been conducted. This technique allows the production of virtual transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional images of a wide range of hairs and fibers. Special mounting techniques are not required; specimens that have been mounted for conventional microscopy require no further treatment. Unlike physical cross-sectioning, in which it is difficult to produce multiple cross-sections from a single hair or fiber and the process is destructive, confocal microscopy allows the examiner to image the cross-section at any point in the field of view along the hair or fiber and it is non-destructive. Confocal microscopy is a fluorescence-based technique. The images described in this article were collected using only the autofluorescence exhibited by the specimen (i.e. fluorescence staining was not necessary). Colorless fibers generally and hairs required excitation at 405 nm in order to stimulate useful autofluorescence; longer wavelength excitation was suitable for dyed fibers. Although confocal microscopy was found to be generally applicable to the generation virtual transverse cross-sections from a wide range of hairs and fibers, on some occasions the autofluorescence signal was attenuated by heavy pigmentation or the presence of an opaque medulla in hairs, and by heavy delustering or the presence of air-filled voids in the case of fibers. In these situations only partial cross-sections were obtained.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Ancient History, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Population Genetics, Siberia, and 17 moreNative American, Cryopreservation, Ancient DNA Research, Multidisciplinary, Nature, Next generation sequencing, Phylogeny, Humans, Hair, Greenland, Male, New World, Phenotype, Human Genome, Genotype, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, and Genome sequence
We present an Aboriginal Australian genomic sequence obtained from a 100-year-old lock of hair donated by an Aboriginal man from southern Western Australia in the early 20th century. We detect no evidence of European admixture and... more
We present an Aboriginal Australian genomic sequence obtained from a 100-year-old lock of hair donated by an Aboriginal man from southern Western Australia in the early 20th century. We detect no evidence of European admixture and estimate contamination levels to be below 0.5%. We show that Aboriginal Australians are descendants of an early human dispersal into eastern Asia, possibly 62,000 to 75,000 years ago. This dispersal is separate from the one that gave rise to modern Asians 25,000 to 38,000 years ago. We also find evidence of gene flow between populations of the two dispersal waves prior to the divergence of Native Americans from modern Asian ancestors. Our findings support the hypothesis that present-day Aboriginal Australians descend from the earliest humans to occupy Australia, likely representing one of the oldest continuous populations outside Africa.
Research Interests: Human Evolution, Genomics, Phylogeography, Gene Flow, Population Genetics, and 27 moreScience, Native American, Multidisciplinary, The evolution of human diversity, Human evolutionary genetics, Phylogeny, Mitochondrial DNA, Humans, Far East, Computer Simulation, Haplotypes, Animals, Ancient DNA, out of Africa human dispersals, Asia, Male, Ethnic Groups, Multiple Dispersals, Australian prehistory, Aboriginal origins, Western Australia, Human Genome, Linkage Disequilibrium, Hominidae, European Continental Ancestry Group, Asian Continental Ancestry Group, and Genome sequence
Research Interests:
Ancient human mobility at the individual level is conventionally studied by the diverse application of suitable techniques (e.g. aDNA, radiogenic strontium isotopes, as well as oxygen and lead isotopes) to either hard and/or soft tissues.... more
Ancient human mobility at the individual level is conventionally studied by the diverse application of suitable techniques (e.g. aDNA, radiogenic strontium isotopes, as well as oxygen and lead isotopes) to either hard and/or soft tissues. However, the limited preservation of coexisting hard and soft human tissues hampers the possibilities of investigating high-resolution diachronic mobility periods in the life of a single individual. Here, we present the results of a multidisciplinary study
of an exceptionally well preserved circa 3.400-year old Danish Bronze Age female find, known as the Egtved Girl. We applied biomolecular, biochemical and geochemical analyses to reconstruct her mobility and diet. We demonstrate that she originated from a place outside present day Denmark (the island of Bornholm excluded), and that she travelled back and forth over large distances during the final months of her life, while consuming a terrestrial diet with intervals of reduced protein intake. We also provide evidence that all her garments were made of non-locally produced wool. Our study advocates the huge potential of combining biomolecular and biogeochemical provenance tracer analyses to hard and soft tissues of a single ancient individual for the reconstruction of high- resolution human mobility.
of an exceptionally well preserved circa 3.400-year old Danish Bronze Age female find, known as the Egtved Girl. We applied biomolecular, biochemical and geochemical analyses to reconstruct her mobility and diet. We demonstrate that she originated from a place outside present day Denmark (the island of Bornholm excluded), and that she travelled back and forth over large distances during the final months of her life, while consuming a terrestrial diet with intervals of reduced protein intake. We also provide evidence that all her garments were made of non-locally produced wool. Our study advocates the huge potential of combining biomolecular and biogeochemical provenance tracer analyses to hard and soft tissues of a single ancient individual for the reconstruction of high- resolution human mobility.
Research Interests:
Scientific Reports | 5:10431 | DOI: 10.1038/srep10431 Karin Margarita Frei1,2, Ulla Mannering1,2, Kristian Kristiansen3, Morten E. Allentoft4, Andrew S. Wilson5, Irene Skals1, Silvana Tridico6, Marie Louise Nosch2, Eske Willerslev4, Leon... more
Scientific Reports | 5:10431 | DOI: 10.1038/srep10431
Karin Margarita Frei1,2, Ulla Mannering1,2, Kristian Kristiansen3, Morten E. Allentoft4,
Andrew S. Wilson5, Irene Skals1, Silvana Tridico6, Marie Louise Nosch2, Eske Willerslev4,
Leon Clarke7 & Robert Frei8,9
Ancient human mobility at the individual level is conventionally studied by the diverse application
of suitable techniques (e.g. aDNA, radiogenic strontium isotopes, as well as oxygen and lead
isotopes) to either hard and/or soft tissues. However, the limited preservation of coexisting hard
and soft human tissues hampers the possibilities of investigating high-resolution diachronic mobility
periods in the life of a single individual. Here, we present the results of a multidisciplinary study
of an exceptionally well preserved circa 3.400-year old Danish Bronze Age female find, known as
the Egtved Girl. We applied biomolecular, biochemical and geochemical analyses to reconstruct her
mobility and diet. We demonstrate that she originated from a place outside present day Denmark
(the island of Bornholm excluded), and that she travelled back and forth over large distances during
the final months of her life, while consuming a terrestrial diet with intervals of reduced protein
intake. We also provide evidence that all her garments were made of non-locally produced wool.
Our study advocates the huge potential of combining biomolecular and biogeochemical provenance
tracer analyses to hard and soft tissues of a single ancient individual for the reconstruction of highresolution
human mobility.
Karin Margarita Frei1,2, Ulla Mannering1,2, Kristian Kristiansen3, Morten E. Allentoft4,
Andrew S. Wilson5, Irene Skals1, Silvana Tridico6, Marie Louise Nosch2, Eske Willerslev4,
Leon Clarke7 & Robert Frei8,9
Ancient human mobility at the individual level is conventionally studied by the diverse application
of suitable techniques (e.g. aDNA, radiogenic strontium isotopes, as well as oxygen and lead
isotopes) to either hard and/or soft tissues. However, the limited preservation of coexisting hard
and soft human tissues hampers the possibilities of investigating high-resolution diachronic mobility
periods in the life of a single individual. Here, we present the results of a multidisciplinary study
of an exceptionally well preserved circa 3.400-year old Danish Bronze Age female find, known as
the Egtved Girl. We applied biomolecular, biochemical and geochemical analyses to reconstruct her
mobility and diet. We demonstrate that she originated from a place outside present day Denmark
(the island of Bornholm excluded), and that she travelled back and forth over large distances during
the final months of her life, while consuming a terrestrial diet with intervals of reduced protein
intake. We also provide evidence that all her garments were made of non-locally produced wool.
Our study advocates the huge potential of combining biomolecular and biogeochemical provenance
tracer analyses to hard and soft tissues of a single ancient individual for the reconstruction of highresolution
human mobility.
Research Interests:
Abstract Background: Mammalian hairs are one of the most ubiquitous types of trace evidence collected in the course of forensic investigations. However, hairs that are naturally shed or that lack roots are problematic substrates for DNA... more
Abstract
Background: Mammalian hairs are one of the most ubiquitous types of trace evidence collected in the course of
forensic investigations. However, hairs that are naturally shed or that lack roots are problematic substrates for DNA
profiling; these hair types often contain insufficient nuclear DNA to yield short tandem repeat (STR) profiles. Whilst
there have been a number of initial investigations evaluating the value of metagenomics analyses for forensic
applications (e.g. examination of computer keyboards), there have been no metagenomic evaluations of human
hairs—a substrate commonly encountered during forensic practice. This present study attempts to address this
forensic capability gap, by conducting a qualitative assessment into the applicability of metagenomic analyses of
human scalp and pubic hair.
Results: Forty-two DNA extracts obtained from human scalp and pubic hairs generated a total of 79,766 reads,
yielding 39,814 reads post control and abundance filtering. The results revealed the presence of unique
combinations of microbial taxa that can enable discrimination between individuals and signature taxa indigenous
to female pubic hairs. Microbial data from a single co-habiting couple added an extra dimension to the study by
suggesting that metagenomic analyses might be of evidentiary value in sexual assault cases when other associative
evidence is not present.
Conclusions: Of all the data generated in this study, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data generated from
pubic hair held the most potential for forensic applications. Metagenomic analyses of human hairs may provide
independent data to augment other forensic results and possibly provide association between victims of sexual
assault and offender when other associative evidence is absent. Based on results garnered in the present study, we
believe that with further development, bacterial profiling of hair will become a valuable addition to the forensic
toolkit.
Background: Mammalian hairs are one of the most ubiquitous types of trace evidence collected in the course of
forensic investigations. However, hairs that are naturally shed or that lack roots are problematic substrates for DNA
profiling; these hair types often contain insufficient nuclear DNA to yield short tandem repeat (STR) profiles. Whilst
there have been a number of initial investigations evaluating the value of metagenomics analyses for forensic
applications (e.g. examination of computer keyboards), there have been no metagenomic evaluations of human
hairs—a substrate commonly encountered during forensic practice. This present study attempts to address this
forensic capability gap, by conducting a qualitative assessment into the applicability of metagenomic analyses of
human scalp and pubic hair.
Results: Forty-two DNA extracts obtained from human scalp and pubic hairs generated a total of 79,766 reads,
yielding 39,814 reads post control and abundance filtering. The results revealed the presence of unique
combinations of microbial taxa that can enable discrimination between individuals and signature taxa indigenous
to female pubic hairs. Microbial data from a single co-habiting couple added an extra dimension to the study by
suggesting that metagenomic analyses might be of evidentiary value in sexual assault cases when other associative
evidence is not present.
Conclusions: Of all the data generated in this study, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data generated from
pubic hair held the most potential for forensic applications. Metagenomic analyses of human hairs may provide
independent data to augment other forensic results and possibly provide association between victims of sexual
assault and offender when other associative evidence is absent. Based on results garnered in the present study, we
believe that with further development, bacterial profiling of hair will become a valuable addition to the forensic
toolkit.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Ancient History, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Population Genetics, Siberia, and 17 moreNative American, Cryopreservation, Ancient DNA Research, Multidisciplinary, Nature, Next generation sequencing, Phylogeny, Humans, Hair, Greenland, Male, New World, Phenotype, Human Genome, Genotype, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, and Genome sequence
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Forensic Science, Nutrition, Textiles, Fluorescence, Forensic Medicine, and 16 moreConfocal Microscopy, Wildlife Conservation, Multidisciplinary, Fiber, Software, Humans, Hair, Animals, Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy, Legal Medicine, Application, Scanning Electron Microscope, Cross Section, Hair Color, Rabbits, and Field of View
Research Interests:
Page 39. HAIR OF THE DOG: A CASE STUDY Silvana R. Tridico Forensic Scientist, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Formerly at the Forensic Science Centre, Adelaide, South Australia) INTRODUCTION ...