http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/forensics/ Forensics. How accurate is DNA evidence? Fingerprints? Read forensic science articles on the successes and limitations of identification techniques. en-us Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:05:05 EST Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:05:05 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/forensics/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101628.htm The eyes may be the mirror to the soul, but the iris reveals a person's true identity. A new report demonstrates that iris recognition algorithms can maintain their accuracy even with compact images, affirming their potential for large-scale identity management applications. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031003540.htm Many of the security tools used by national governments lack scientific underpinning, according to an expert. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031003540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029155956.htm DNA samples often convict criminals. But many of today's forensic tests are so polluted by soil, tobacco and food remains, for example, that they can not be used. Now researchers in Sweden have improved a critical part of the analysis process. The first findings indicate that the new method strengthens the DNA analysis so that previously negative samples yield positive and usable DNA profiles. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029155956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142237.htm People who watch forensic and crime dramas on TV are more likely than nonviewers to have a distorted perception of America's criminal justice system, according to new research. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102708.htm Scientists are developing new sensors to detect chemical agents and illegal drugs which will help in the fight against the threat of terrorist attacks. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922185658.htm After learning how DNA interacts with the novel nanomaterial graphene, researchers propose a DNA-graphene nanoscaffold be used as a biosensor to diagnose diseases, detect toxins in tainted food and detect pathogens in biological weapons, among other applications. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922185658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123515.htm Against the backdrop of last week's Congressional hearing into the future of forensic science, researchers have published a landmark paper on the controversial topic of bitemark analysis. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130709.htm Contaminants from natural coal deposits in the Gulf of Alaska are not easily bioavailable, unlike the crude oil from the Exxon Valdez tanker catastrophe, according to a new study. The findings challenge the theory that natural coal deposits were the cause of observed environmental damage. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826113825.htm A novel electronic sensor array for more rapid, accurate and cost-efficient testing of DNA for disease diagnosis and biological research has shown "excellent" sensitivity at detecting trace amounts of DNA. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826113825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816211837.htm In an advance toward the first portable device for detecting human bodies buried in disasters and at crime scenes, scientists are reporting early results from a project to establish the chemical fingerprint of death. The study could also lead to an electronic device that could determine the time elapsed since death quickly, accurately and onsite. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816211837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174228.htm Canadian researchers have developed a new way to extract DNA and RNA from small or heavily contaminated samples that could help forensic investigators and molecular biologists get to "the truth." Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713085018.htm Chemistry researchers have developed a simple but effective way of lifting fingerprints. The technique involves studying the chemical and physical interactions occurring between the metal and the fingerprint sweat deposit. Using advanced surface imaging techniques, such as an atomic force microscope, nanoscale observations of fingerprinted brass samples can identify optimum conditions to promote the natural enhancement of the fingerprint. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713085018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708094837.htm Scientists in Japan are reporting development of a faster, less expensive version of the fabled polymerase chain reaction, a DNA test widely used in criminal investigations, disease diagnosis, biological research and other applications. The new method could lead to expanded use of PCR in medicine, the criminal justice system and elsewhere, the researchers say. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708094837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125059.htm Smithsonian scientists have examined the feather remains from the Jan. 15 US Airways Flight 1549 bird strike to determine not only the species, but also that the Canada geese involved were from a migratory, rather than resident, population. This knowledge is essential for wildlife professionals to develop policies and techniques that will reduce the risk of future collisions. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514084106.htm Molecular biologists, including the forensic investigators on the popular TV show CSI, use gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments from each other in order to analyze the DNA. A team of researchers has now shown for the first time how the gel influences the movement of the DNA. Mon, 18 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514084106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101445.htm A forensics toolkit for the Xbox gaming console has been developed. The toolkit could allow law enforcement agencies to scour the inbuilt hard disk of such devices and find illicit hidden materials easily. Fri, 01 May 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430122048.htm The creators of the EFIT-V forensic facial composite software describe how it works and recent successes with police services in the UK. Fri, 01 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430122048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423105856.htm Overworked crime scene investigators can take heart at the results of recent tests of new technologies that automate the manual portion of latent fingerprint identification. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423105856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312093706.htm This system, related to thermo-microbiology, will permit to determine more accurately the time of a death which has not occurred under controlled natural conditions or as a consequence of a crime. The purpose of the project was to establish the initial methodological basis to create a protocol of general application and provide new complementary tools to the existing criminalistic techniques. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312093706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302130224.htm Scientists in Washington state are reporting the surprise discovery of the oldest known sample of reactor-produced bomb-grade plutonium, a historic relic from the infancy of America's nuclear weapons program. Their research also represents the first demonstration of how radioactive sodium can be used as a tool in nuclear forensics. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302130224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217112516.htm Scientists have shown that traces of blood in various materials are eliminated completely when they are washed with detergents containing active oxygen. The conclusion of the study points out that these new products alter blood to such an extent that this cannot be detected by reagents used in forensics. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217112516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218135119.htm A congressionally mandated report from the National Research Council finds serious deficiencies in the U.S. forensic science system and calls for major reforms and new research. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218135119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090115092701.htm A pioneering forensic scientist at Northamptonshire Police and the University of Leicester is being called on by US force officers to tackle a decade-old murder case. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090115092701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081129173816.htm Chemists have developed a method to detect pesticide residues in foodstuffs -- a method that may also be of interest for other areas and may enable quality checks on a running basis. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081129173816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120073159.htm A murder case on America's Most Wanted list is to be tackled by a forensic scientist at the University of Leicester and Northamptonshire Police. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120073159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081112113705.htm Scientists have created a new highly sensitive infrared spectrometer. The device converts light from the infrared part of the spectrum to the visible part, where the availability of superior optical detectors results in strongly improved sensing capabilities. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081112113705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923121954.htm Scientists have developed a new class of disposable, microplate-based optical biosensors capable of detecting protein-DNA interactions. Based on the properties of photonic crystals, the biosensors are suitable for the rapid identification of inhibitors of protein-nucleic acid and protein-protein interactions. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923121954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080919183815.htm Using new "lab on a chip" technology, chemists hope to create a hand-held device that may eventually allow physicians, crime scene investigators, pharmacists, even the general public to quickly and inexpensively conduct DNA tests from almost anywhere, without need for a complex and expensive central laboratory. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080919183815.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924085158.htm A new psychological study aims to investigate how accurate people’s perceptions about forensic science are, where these beliefs come from, and how this forensic awareness may impact on jury decision making. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924085158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915210509.htm The inventor of a revolutionary new forensic fingerprinting technique claims criminals who eat processed foods have 'sticky fingers,' which are more likely to corrode metal. This makes them more likely to be discovered by police. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915210509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908073841.htm Text and instant messaging may soon cease to be an anonymous method of communication as advances in forensic linguistic research make it possible to identify the sender and also predict the gender and age of the author with some degree of success. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908073841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828220505.htm A team of investigators have found a way to identify possible suspects at crime scenes using only a small amount of DNA, even if it is mixed with hundreds of other genetic fingerprints. Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828220505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827102738.htm A double murder investigation that has remained unsolved for almost a decade could be provided new impetus following a forensic breakthrough. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827102738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826080812.htm University of Leicester experts have held discussions with military personnel in Afghanistan following the discovery of new technology to identify fingerprints on metal. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826080812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080801074732.htm Criminals who use firearms may find it much harder to evade justice in future, thanks to an ingenious new bullet tagging technology. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080801074732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728081627.htm Using a newly developed method, Utrecht University researchers have mapped the structure and composition of the hepatitis B virus. The researchers were able to map the structure by spraying the virus. Their research brings us a step closer to understanding and combating hepatitis B infection. The method can also be used to analyse other viruses. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728081627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609092056.htm Scientists are reporting successful laboratory and field tests of a new device that can sniff out the faintest traces of a wide range of chemical, biological, nuclear, and explosive threats - and illicit drugs - from the air in minutes with great accuracy. The ultra-sensitive detector, known as the single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) system, could tighten security at airports, sports stadiums and other large-scale facilities. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609092056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602103331.htm New techniques have been developed for identifying fingerprints on metal. The technique can enhance -- after firing -- a fingerprint that has been deposited on a small caliber metal cartridge case before it is fired. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602103331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110408.htm Researchers have created a new, single-exposure imaging tool that could significantly improve point-of-care medical and forensic imaging by empowering front line clinicians with no specialized training to detect and assess, in real-time, the severity of bruises and erythema, regardless of patient skin pigmentation or available lighting. Fri, 23 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514092333.htm New technology to link cartridge cases to guns by engraving microscopic codes on the firing pin is feasible, but did not work equally well for all guns and ammunition tested in a pilot study by researchers from the forensic science program at UC Davis. Microstamping technology uses a laser to cut a pattern or code into the head of a firing pin or another internal surface. Fri, 16 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514092333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507084218.htm Approximately 250,000 items of sexual assault evidence are mired in three- to 12-month backlogs awaiting analysis in US forensic laboratories. A forensic chemist has now developed a method for handling rape evidence that reduces part of the DNA analysis time from 24 hours to as little as 30 to 45 minutes and improves the sperm cell recovery rate by 100 percent. Wed, 07 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507084218.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501110025.htm Fingerprints that used to escape detection could soon help point to the killer. Using a field portable system investigators at crime scenes will be able to detect latent prints on human skin. The system takes advantage of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based agents to visualize latent prints. Sat, 03 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501110025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416114413.htm Securing evidence at the scene of a crime, measuring faces for medical applications, taking samples during production -- 3-D images are in demand everywhere. A handy cordless device now enables such images to be prepared rapidly anywhere. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416114413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410131603.htm Detection of a fraud attempt in sample taking for a DNA analysis is modifying forensic scientists' action protocol: It will be compulsory for the donor to wash his mouth out before a witness. The fraud attempt took place in a paternity test, when the donor mixed his own saliva with that of someone else's. Faced with the evidence, the suspect admitted that, shortly before the sample taking, he put someone else's saliva into his mouth from a little container. Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410131603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074558.htm Scientists in Texas report development of a highly dependable, rapid and inexpensive new method for identifying the presence of gunshot residue. The test fills a detection gap that results from wider use of "green" -- lead free -- ammunition. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325083344.htm One day soon a biosensing nanodevice may eliminate long lines at airport security checkpoints and revolutionize health screenings for diseases like anthrax, cancer and antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Even more incredible than the device itself, is that it is based on the world's tiniest rotary motor: a biological engine measured on the order of molecules. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325083344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324101956.htm Real-life crime scene analysis of bloodstains, fingerprints, and other evidence does not match the speed and certainty on television shows such as CSI. But thanks to advances in chemistry, fact is catching up with fiction as researchers develop faster, more sensitive forensics tools. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324101956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310173246.htm Scientists have taken a mathematical approach to a biological problem -- how to design a portable DNA detector. A mathematical simulation shows how a new type of nanoscale transistor might be coupled to a DNA sensor system. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310173246.htm