J Forensic Sci, September 2012, Vol. 57, No.

5
doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02199.x
BOOK REVIEW Available online at: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Tracey Dawson Cruz,1 Ph.D.

Review of: Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA

REFERENCE: Butler JM. Advanced topics in forensic DNA and magnetic bead technology), small-scale automated platforms for
typing: methodology. Waltham, MA: Elsevier, 2012, 704 pp. extractions, laser-capture microdissection, and an expanded section
on real-time PCR quantitation chemistries and instrumentation.
The author of this text, John Butler, is a well-known research Chapter 4 contains a familiar review of basic PCR and multiplex
scientist with extensive experience in forensic DNA analysis. development with new material on reagent and consumable contam-
Through his well-integrated research program at NIST, he benefits ination, stochastic effects, and recent modifications designed to
from frequent interactions, collaborative projects, and training ⁄ trou- improve speed and robustness of multiplex STR amplification.
bleshooting sessions with current casework practitioners. Addition- Chapters 5–6 include added content related to the anticipated expan-
ally, Dr. Butler has well over 100 peer-reviewed publications sion of the CODIS core loci, the most recently released commercial
related to the subject material of this text and has been widely rec- multiplex STR kits, and modern capillary electrophoresis platforms
ognized as one of the world’s leading experts in the field since the (ABI 3130, 3500, and all ‘‘xl’’ models). Readers of earlier editions
release of his first book (Forensic DNA Typing: Biology & Tech- of textbooks from this author will notice the absence of antiquated
nology Behind STR Markers, 1st edn.) in 2001 and its follow-up, technologies, including the FMBIO gel imaging system.
Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR The primary purpose of the mid-section of this text is to cover
Markers, 2nd edn. (2005). Together, these qualities allow him to issues and topics that are tangentially related to traditional STR-
offer a uniquely broad perspective of the field, which makes him based forensic DNA typing including QA and validation, DNA
perfectly suited to author an advanced text on the topic. A more databases, missing person and mass disaster victim identification,
recent text, Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing (2010), and issues encountered when typing degraded DNA and low-level
replaces portions of the original volumes providing a basic text DNA samples. While most of the information from the previous
that is perfect for beginners or undergraduate-level students study- text (Forensic DNA Typing, 2005) has been retained, Chapters 7–8
ing the topic. Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Method- have been substantially updated with new content. This includes
ology complements the Fundamentals text by providing advanced the addition of ‘‘performance checks’’ for previously established
technological information and critical updates on developing topics procedures, recommendations for internal validation study design,
within the field. This text is most appropriate for practicing profes- and ENFSI recommendations for database development and man-
sionals and ⁄ or advanced graduate-level students in molecular agement. Sections on DNA databases and laws around the world,
forensic academic programs. Ultimately, a third volume focusing the U.S. CODIS database, partial matches, and concerns of DNA
on interpretation and statistics will be released. Rapid growth in database critics have been widely expanded. Overall, Chapter 9 is
the research literature in the field of forensic DNA analysis cou- the most similar to the previous text but does include added intro-
pled with the recent proliferation of related university courses, cur- ductory information and content on NamUS, ISFG DVI recommen-
ricula, and professional training programs have fueled a need for dations, and a brief review of international identification projects
up-to-date textbooks of this nature. for identifying human remains from mass graves. Chapter 10 pro-
Although the history and basic background included in the Fun- vides a concise overview of degraded DNA analysis, with an
damentals text has been omitted from the Advanced Topics text, updated section on mini-STR typing and a discussion of newer
there is significant overlap in several other topics. However, where technical approaches. The chapter covering low-level DNA testing
overlap exists, the Advanced Topics chapters include updated refer- (Chapter 11) has been significantly updated moving from a three-
ences, recent technological improvements, and methodology modi- page introduction (in the previous text) to a separate 35-page chap-
fications designed to improve assay success. Chapters 1–6 work ter, which accurately reflects the explosion in the research literature
sequentially through the major analytical processes required for on this topic since 2005. New content includes critics’ perspectives
routine human identification from biological evidence samples. and the CADDY report, as well as information on admissibility rul-
Chapter 1 begins with the rudimentary steps of sample collection, ings and technical strategies to improve sensitivity including, but
storage, and serological characterization and includes new content not limited to, LCN-PCR. Further, the chapter includes a unique,
on RNA-based body fluid identification and contamination con- highly informative section on the special features necessary for
cerns. Chapters 2–3 include comprehensive information on contem- high-sensitivity laboratory facilities as well as associated validation
porary forensic methods for DNA extraction and quantitation, considerations.
including the newer solid-phase extraction methods (silica columns The final chapters of the text cover an assortment of topics,
including new technologies ⁄ automation, legal aspects and expert
1
Department of Forensic Science, 1015 Floyd Ave, Box 843079, Virginia testimony, single nucleotide polymorphisms, nonhuman DNA-based
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284. testing, and comprehensive altogether new or updated chapters on

1412  2012 American Academy of Forensic Sciences

nonautosomal DNA testing (mitochondrial DNA, Y chromosome, graduate-level students. Compared to previous Butler texts, the
and X chromosome). Professionals and academics alike will most chapters have been rearranged allowing for better flow from
appreciate the new Chapter 18, Legal Aspects of DNA testing and chapter-to-chapter. Additionally, the writing covers material that is
the Scientific Expert in Court, which provides a succinct overview scientific and complex, but uses language and style that freely
of the critical general information needed by any scientist prepar- engages the reader. While the content of this text is similar to the
ing to testify in a court of law (Daubert ⁄ Frye, discovery, court- author’s earlier version (2005), the added chapters, updated
room procedures, and preparation of expert witnesses). Unlike discussions, and the addition of many new, striking color graphics
other texts covering the topic, this chapter is offered from the per- make this a must-have reference book. Further, the referencing at
spective of Dr. Butler (as a scientist), with help from other distin- the end of each chapter provides an up-to-date list of resources that
guished forensic scientists and lawyers, which readers will find is conveniently organized by topic. There are several STR typing-
most relatable. Last, bonus material is included at the end of the and interpretation-related topics noticeably absent from this book.
book in Appendices 1–4, which readers will find very practical. However, the author clearly states his intention to cover these in a
Appendices contain an updated compilation of the sizes and forthcoming volume. This, along with the frequent referencing to
sequences of STR alleles, issues related to familial searching, a list the introductory book (Fundamentals) throughout the text,
of DNA-related supplies, and interview transcripts from the experts means that the reader will be best served by acquiring all three
referenced in Chapter 18. volumes. Together, these texts will, undoubtedly, serve as the
In conclusion, this text provides an easy-to-read, well-organized authoritative textbooks in the field of forensic DNA analysis for
reference book for trainees, working professionals, and advanced years to come.