Research Areas
Our group uses techniques and technologies of biochemistry, molecular biology and genomics to help forensic scientists retrieve more information from biological traces transferred during the commission of a crime. We take a problem-oriented practical problem approach to our translational research. Currently our main themes are (1) ACTIVITY, what happened? A crime scene DNA profile is recovered but what activity led to that finding? In other words, can we help provide context to the DNA profile. An example of this would be can we distinguish between innocuous social intercourse versus criminal sexual intercourse? Biomarkers that distinguish saliva, skin, vaginal secretions can be useful to distinguish these two possibilities. We have discovered such biomarkers and they are RNA versus DNA based. In fact, we are intrigued by the potential applications of RNA in forensics and have helped establish the burgeoning field of RNA forensics. (2) SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATIONS. We are working on extending the post coital time interval from which genetic identifying information from the semen donor can be obtained and our previous efforts resulted in a national policy change in extending the time of recovery of evidence from rape victims. (3) TRACE DNA ANALYSIS specifically using single cell genomic analysis. Mixtures of biological material from two or more persons are often encountered in forensic samples and the resulting mixed DNA profiles are often difficult to interpret and de-convolute. The ability to recover and genetically analyze individual cells from the different contributors by physical manipulation promises to be an important addition to forensic scientists’ toolbox.
Highlights
- (1999- ), Member, DOD Quality Assurance Oversight Committee
- (1995- ), Chair, New York State DNA Sub-committee
- (1995- ), Regular guest, FBI Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods
- Former member, DNA Advisory Board
- Former member, World Trade Center Kinship and Data Analysis Panel (KADAP)
Publications
- Characterization of UVC-Induced DNA Damage in Physiological Stains: Forensic Implications. Hall, A. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Bioanal Chem 380 72-83(2004
- Multiplex mRNA Profiling for Body Fluid Identification. Juusola, J. and Ballantyne, J. For Sci Int 152 1-12 (2005)
- Whole Genome Amplification Strategy for Forensic Genetic Analysis Using Single or Few Cell Equivalents of Genomic DNA. Hanson, E. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 346 246-257 (2005)
- The Identification of Newborns Using Messenger RNA Profiling Analysis. Alvarez, M. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 357 21-34 (2006)
- mRNA Profiling for Body Fluid Identification by Multiplex Quantitative RT-PCR. Juusola, J. and Ballantyne J. J. Forensic Sci 52 (6) 1252-1262 (2007)
- Simplified Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA Analysis by Post PCR Purification. Smith, P.J. and Ballantyne, J. J. Forensic Sci 52 (4) 820-829 (2007)
- An Ultra-High Discrimination Y Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Multiplex DNA Typing System. Hanson, E.K. and Ballantyne, J. PLoS ONE 2(8): e688. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000688 (2007)
- Y-STR Profiling in Extended Interval (> 3 days) Post Coital Cervicovaginal Samples. Mayntz-Press, K.A., Sims, L.M., Hall, A. and Ballantyne J. J. Forensic Sci 53 (2) 342-348 (2008)
- Identification of four novel developmentally regulated gamma hemoglobin mRNA isoforms. Alvarez, M. and Ballantyne, J. Exp Hematol 37 285-293 (2009)
- Identification of Forensically Relevant Body Fluids Using a Panel of Differentially Expressed microRNAs. Hanson, E.K. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 387 303-314 (2009)
- Changes in Dry State Hemoglobin Over Time Do Not Increase the Potential for Oxidative Damage in Dried Blood. Marrone, A. and Ballantyne,. J. PLoS ONE 4(4): e5110. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005110 (2009)
- A SNP melt curve assay employing an intercalating dye probe FRET for forensic analysis. Halpern, MD and Ballantyne J. Anal Biochem 391 1-10 (2009)
