The Role and Importance of Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies in Forensic Applications

The document discusses the significance of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies in forensic applications. While autosomal STR analysis is the gold standard for forensic identification, additional markers like X-STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA are used in complex cases such as disaster victim identification. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation patterns and miRNA analyses, are evaluated for body fluid identification, distinguishing monozygotic twins, and determining time of death. NGS technologies, which allow rapid sequencing of the entire exome or genome, provide comprehensive genomic information and are increasingly utilized in cases where traditional forensic markers are insufficient. NGS also facilitates forensic entomology, chimerism detection, ancestry, and phenotypic inference studies, enhancing the speed and reliability of these processes.