From Ancient Bones to the Future of DNA Technologies: Forensic Experts Gather for Exclusive Symposium on Human Identity

MADISON, Wis.--(Business Wire)--
The 20th International Symposium on Human Identification will highlight advances
in DNA technology and explore controversial issues brought about by the expanded
power and use of DNA typing. Over 600 forensic analysts from around the world
will attend the three-day symposium, which is the only event of its kind.
Keynote speaker Donald Johanson will open this year`s conference. Johanson,
founder of the Institute of Human Origins, is best known for his discovery of
Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old hominid skeleton. Other sessions include:

* Implications for the forensic community from the 2009 National Association of
Science (NAS) report. This report suggests policy changes that will have an
impact on DNA analysis in forensic labs (Peter Marone, Virginia Department of
Forensic Science).
* Impact from adoption of the new European standard set of loci for sharing DNA
profiles across countries (or borders) (Martin Eckert, Bundeskriminalamt
Wiesbaden).
* Expert panel discussion on the possibilities and concerns of DNA testing for
low-copy-number samples.
* New guidelines for mass fatality DNA identification operations, presented by
members of American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

The always popular "Interesting Cases" session spotlights some of the more
unusual and difficult cases that benefited from DNA analysis. This year`s cases
include a case involving dismemberment and disposal, a cold case solved after
thirty years with evidence from the victim`s fingernails, and a case where a
sniffer dog led police to the wrong suspect.

This year`s symposium will be held:

* October 12-15
* JW Marriott Resort and Spa at Summerlin
* 221 North Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89145

This symposium for forensic experts and suppliers is offered through Promega
Corporation. Promega Corporation is a leader in providing innovative solutions
and technical support to the life sciences industry. The company`s 2,000
products enable scientists worldwide to advance their knowledge in genomics,
proteomics, cellular analysis, molecular diagnostics and human identification.
Founded in 1978, the company is headquartered in Madison, WI, USA with branches
in 14 countries and over 50 global distributors. For more information about
Promega, visit www.promega.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6053557&lang=en

Penny Patterson
Director, Corporate Affairs
Promega Corporation
Phone: (608) 274-4330
E-mail: penny.patterson@promega.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009