Preliminary studies into profiling DNA recovered from a radiation or radioactivity incident

The examination and profiling of human DNA recovered from a scene of crime is an essential aspect of criminal investigations. However, it is currently not known whether DNA recovered from a scene where an ionising radiation source or radioactive contamination is present can be successfully profiled. The direct examination and analysis of radioactively contaminated DNA has not been widely explored using the current procedures employed by forensic service providers. As a result, AWE is putting in place an extensive research and development programme to better understand the effects that radiation has on the ability to profile human DNA, and assess the associated retention of different radioactive contaminants within each step of the profiling procedure. A summary will be provided on the aims of this project and progress that has been made to date; together with a discussion of the lessons that have been learnt during the course of the programme’s development.     

Catalytic and Stoichiometric Transformations with Triphenyl(P,P,P-Triphenylphosphine Imidato-N) Phosphorus Cyanide, [Pnp Cyanide]

Abstract

Reactions involving anhydrous [PNP]⁺CN^?, 1, are described for a series of nucleophilic displacements. The reagent may be used stoichiometrically with moisture sensitive substrates, and also acts as an efficient phase transfer catalyst.