Microbial Forensics

Microbial Forensics, Third Edition is a rapidly evolving scientific discipline. In the last two decades, and particularly due to the anthrax letter attacks in the United States microbial forensics has become more formalized and has played an increasingly greater role in crime investigations. This has brought renewed interest, development and application of new technologies, and new rules of forensic and policy engagement. It has many applications ranging from biodefense, criminal investigations, providing intelligence information, making society more secure, and helping protect precious resources, particularly human life. A combination of diverse areas are discussed, including the major disciplines of biology, microbiology, medicine, chemistry, physics, statistics, population genetics, and computer science.

Microbial Forensics, Third Edition is fully revised and updated and serves as a complete reference of the discipline. It describes the advances, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead, and will be integral in applying science to help solve future biocrimes. New chapters will include: Microbial Source Tracking, Clinical Recognition, Bioinformatics, and Quality Assurance.

This book is intended for a wide audience, but will be indispensable to forensic scientists and researchers interested in contributing to the growing field of microbial forensics. Biologists and microbiologists, the legal and judicial system, and the international community involved with Biological Weapons Treaties will also find this volume invaluable. In addition, the book will be an asset as an educational tool or as a resource for policy makers and other stakeholders.

• Presents new and expanded content that includes a statistical analysis of forensic data, legal admissibility and standards of evidence
• Discusses actual cases of forensic bioterrorism
• Includes contributions from editors and authors who are leading experts in the field, with primary experience in the application of this fast-growing discipline