Dna profiling from burnt remains

This chapter provides an overview of the studies related to DNA extraction and profiling from burnt remains, the challenges encountered in these processes, as well as current and new methodologies developed to overcome these problems. Harbeck et al. developed a combined study to determine the maximum degree of bone cremation that can be reached at which robust, original signals from DNA and stable isotope analysis can still be retrieved. Forensic cases constitute a good source of the strategic approaches that forensic scientists develop to be able to recover identifiable DNA from human remains. The chapter describes technical approaches carried out by forensic scientists to retrieve DNA profiles towards the identification of human remains in forensic cases. It also provides an overview of the current strategies for improving the identification of burnt remains at different levels: assessment of DNA damage ; alternatives for DNA extraction; and new cutting-edge technologies.