Media Alert

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tom Capezzuto
(973) 972-7273
E-mail: capezzta@umdnj.edu

At UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
UMDNJ Researcher Collaborates on Book to Help Combat Bioterrorism
-Microbial Forensics Published by Academic Press-

5/20/05—A University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) researcher has teamed with colleagues to write a book on microbial forensics and its importance in helping deter bioterrorism and identify those responsible for attacks.

"Microbial Forensics," the first book of its kind, is edited by Dr. Steven E. Schutzer, a physician-scientist at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark; Dr. Bruce Budowle, a senior scientist with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Dr. Roger Breeze, formerly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and currently with the Centaur Science Group. The book is published by Academic Press.

The 448-page book details forensics systems that could deter the use of a microbe as a bioweapon or, if the microbe is deployed, to help catch the culprit, said Dr. Schutzer, an immunologist at the medical school. "This book defines the foundation of the field of microbial forensics and will serve as a basic primer to initiate those scientists and officials who have an interest in the topic," he said. "It covers a variety of areas from forensic science to microbiology, epidemiology, bioinformatics and legal issues."

The book is a result of collaborations with scientists from a number of academic and
government institutions, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.

Drs. Schutzer and Budowle and several of the authors also published an article in the May 2005 issue of Applied and Environmental Microbiology, entitled "Toward a System of Microbial Forensics from Sample Collection to Interpretation of Evidence."

"Law enforcement has had the traditional role and infrastructure for investigating crimes and is now enhancing its capabilities to confront the new challenges of biological weapon use and bioterrorism through partnership with the scientific community," said Dr. Budowle.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Schutzer, call Tom Capezzuto of the UMDNJ News
Service at (973) 972-7273.