DNA and Its Human. A Brief History of DNA Identification

The book by Elena Kleshchenko is addressed to everyone interested in the practical application of genetics achievements in such fields as forensics, genealogy, and history. It discusses the possibility of identifying a person by their genetic material.
The author describes the methods of DNA research and those who were at their origins: Sir Alec Jeffreys, who invented DNA fingerprinting; the eccentric Carey Mullis, who managed to amplify single DNA molecules to significant quantities, and other heroes of "scientific detectives".
The detective storyline continues with the story of tracking down criminals through DNA analysis — from Jack the Ripper to modern maniacs and terrorists. The historical investigations are equally fascinating: who was Rurik — a Slav or a Scandinavian, how many descendants Genghis Khan left, and was the Duke of Monmouth a son of the King of England. Why are specialists confident in the accuracy of the identification of the remains of Nicholas II and his family (and why do non-specialists have doubts)?
In conclusion, the reader will learn why it is impossible to invent biological weapons against a specific ethnic group, whether it is possible to reconstruct appearance from DNA, and whether it is dangerous to post one's genome on the internet.