The Forensic Biology section performs both STR (Short Tandem Repeat) and Y- STR analysis. STRs offer the advantage of short analysis time, a high degree of discrimination and the ability to look at small and degraded samples of DNA. Samples such as small as skin from under the nails of a victim can be compared to possible contributors. Y- STRs offer the advantage of only looking at the male DNA contribution to a mixture of DNA contributors.