Chapter 9 Links
Medical Forensics and DNA Sleuthing

DNA Fingerprinting

• Basics of DNA Fingerprinting
  • This is an excellent site for an introduction to DNA Fingerprinting. It answers questions about what it is, how it is done, and what are its applications and problems.
• DNA Fingerprinting
  • From the science television series Newton's Apple, this is a great resource for teachers of younger children. It includes related activities for the classroom.
• DNA Fingerprinting in Human Health and Society
  • Relatively easy to understand information on making and using DNA Fingerprints.
• An Interview With DNA Forensics Authority Dr. Bruce Weir
  • From Access Excellence - Dr. Bruce S. Weir is an expert witness for the prosecution in the OJ Simpson case who spoke about the methods and controversies surrounding DNA evidence.
• DNA Fingerprinting
  • Links to news articles.

Gel Electrophoresis

• Gel Electrophoresis
  • A short introduction to the theory behind electrophoresis.
• What is Electrophoresis ?
  • Another short explanation of electrophoresis, but it also includes links to other resources.
• Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
  • This site includes two nice diagrams.

Southern Blotting

• Southern Blot
  • A description that separates the technique into steps. This site includes a nice and simple diagram.
• A typical Southern Blot interpretation problem
  • This is an involved problem, but it includes explanations.
• Shockwave Enhanced Animations
  • You need the Shockwave plug-in to view this animation.

Paternity Testing

• Who is the Biological Father?
  • Good background information.
• Fairfax Identity Laboratories
  • At our main facilities in Fairfax, Virginia, we provide medical diagnosis and treatment, genetic and reproductive laboratory testing (including paternity testing), and cryobank (sperm bank) services to patients and clients from every U.S. state and numerous countries around the world. (This site also has a FAQ.)
• Family Law Advisor
  • This site looks at the legal aspects of paternity.
• GenTest Laboratories, Inc
  • GenTest Laboratories, Inc, based in the New Orleans Metropolitan area, is a full service DNA testing laboratory specializing in paternity and forensic cases.

"Four Corners Disease" and Hantavirus

• Hantavirus Home Page
  • This is a great looking site from the CDC.
• Hantaviruses, with emphasis on Four Corners Hantavirus
  • A good introduction to Hanataviruses and the Four Corners Disease.
• Hantavirus illness in the United States
  • This 1995 article includes information on prevention and control.
• Stalking The Deadly Hantavirus: A Study In Teamwork
  • This is the first part of a two-part series on hantavirus. The following article recounts the swift and effective response to the frightening microbe by scientists of various disciplines.
• One Year Later, The Hantavirus Investigation Continues
  • This is the second part of a two-part series on the hantavirus. This article provides an account of how the research community is following up on hantavirus studies and what the prospects are for future paths of investigation.

Tuberculosis

• National Tuberculosis Center
  • A lot of info can be found here.
• Tuberculosis: The return of an old nemesis
• The People's Plaque Online
  • A companion to the public television program, The People's Plaque: Tuberculosis in America. Includes TB facts, links, and an interactive section.
• Tuberculosis Resources
  • This site gives information about tuberculosis for patients through electronic pamphlets that describe what a person needs to know about the detection, prevention, and cure of tuberculosis. It also includes information about tuberculosis for health care providers.
• Ask NOAH About: Tuberculosis
  • NOAH is an information guide only. This information has been culled from a variety of consumer health resources. (Very good resource that includes links about the relationship between Tuberculosis and AIDS.)
• World Health Organization - Global Tuberculosis Programme
  • A good resource for the latest information on this disease.
• Pathology of Tuberculosis
  • More advanced information for medical professionals.

Mitochondria

• Mitochondrion
  • This site has a simple diagram of the mitochondria and a short paragraph descibing this organelle.
• Adam, Eve, and Mitochondria
  • Although both sexes have them, mitochondria are transmitted only by women.
• The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
  • Mission: To promote research for cures and treatments of mitochondrial diseases and to provide support to affected families.

Marfan's Syndrome

• Marfan Syndrome
  • A continuing education course for nurses, but it is a good resource about Marfan Syndrome for everyone. It includes information about managing the syndrome.
• Marfan Syndrome - Public Health Information Sheet
  • This site has information on the cause, treatment, prevention, and research being done.
• National Marfan Foundation
  • This site includes links to other sources.