Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

11:49
Enhanced Genetic Analysis of Single Human Bioparticles Recovered by Simplified Micromanipulation from Forensic ‘Touch DNA’ Evidence
Published on: March 9, 2015
[Application and progress of RNA in forensic science]
Lin-Lin Gao1, You-Ying Li, Jiang-Wei Yan
1Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Hangzhou Public Security Bureau, Hangzhou 310004, China. myhappyfamily_gao@163.com
Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi
|March 8, 2012
Summary
RNA technology offers new forensic applications beyond DNA analysis. This review explores RNA
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Advancements in molecular biology have expanded the use of genetic evidence in forensic science.
- While DNA technology is established for identification and paternity testing, RNA technology presents emerging forensic applications.
Purpose:
- To review the current applications and progress of RNA technology in forensic science.
- To highlight the potential of RNA analysis for various forensic investigations.
Summary:
- RNA analysis is being explored for estimating postmortem interval, bloodstain age, and wound age.
- It also shows promise in determining the cause of death and identifying the source of body fluids.
Impact:
- RNA technology provides novel molecular tools to complement existing forensic methods.
- Expanding the utility of molecular biology in forensic investigations for more accurate results.
Related Concept Videos
RNA-seq
RNA sequencing, or RNA-Seq, is a high-throughput sequencing technology used to study the transcriptome of a cell. Transcriptomics helps to interpret the functional elements of a genome and identify the molecular constituents of an organism. Additionally, it also helps in understanding the development of an organism and the occurrence of diseases.
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while microarray-based...
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while microarray-based...
Ribosome Profiling
Ribosome profiling or ribo-sequencing is a deep sequencing technique that produces a snapshot of active translation in a cell. It selectively sequences the mRNAs protected by ribosomes to get an insight into a cell’s translation landscape at any given point in time.
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...
In-situ Hybridization
In situ hybridization (ISH) is a technique used to detect and localize specific DNA or RNA molecules in cells, tissue, or tissue sections using a labeled probe. The technique was first used in 1969 for the investigation of nucleic acids. It is currently an essential tool in scientific research and clinical settings, especially for diagnostic purposes.
Types of probes and labels
A probe is a complementary strand of DNA or RNA that binds to corresponding nucleotide sequences in a cell. Many...
Types of probes and labels
A probe is a complementary strand of DNA or RNA that binds to corresponding nucleotide sequences in a cell. Many...
RNA Stability
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...

