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 Sat, 17 May 2008 04:05:01 EDT Sat, 17 May 2008 04:05:01 EDT 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/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 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080305105118.htm A national database containing images of ballistic markings from all new and imported guns sold in the US should not be created at this time, says a new report from the National Research Council. Such a database has been proposed to help investigators link ballistics evidence -- cartridge cases or bullets found at crime scenes -- to a firearm and the location where it was originally sold. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080305105118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212085828.htm A unique collaboration between scientists, public health workers and police has led to the arrest by the Chinese authorities of alleged traders of fake antimalarial drugs in southern China and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs. The work, involving teams from across the globe, has highlighted both the growing threat posed by fake pharmaceuticals and the complexities of tracking down those responsible for the trade. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212085828.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080129201238.htm Using the radiocarbon dating method and special proteins in the lens of the eye, researchers can now establish, with relatively high precision, when a person was born. This provides a useful tool for forensic scientists who can use it to establish the date of birth of an unidentified body and could also have further consequences for health science research. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080129201238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080121100909.htm Researchers in Hong Kong have miniaturized technology needed to perform the versatile polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -- widely used in criminal investigations, disease diagnosis, and a range of other key applications. They report development of a long-sought PCR microchip that could permit use of PCR at crime scenes, in doctors' offices, and other out-of-lab locations. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080121100909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080111224007.htm The inventor of DNA fingerprinting has voiced his concerns over the ethics of a DNA database. He spoke out over the 'significant ethical and social issues' as the government launched an inquiry into the way the national DNA database is used. The UK database, with the DNA of over 4million people, was launched in 1995 and allows all DNA collected by forensics- for whatever purposes - to be stored indefinitely. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080111224007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128151812.htm In order to prevent false positive results in polygraph examinations, testing is set to err on the side of caution. This protects the innocent, but increases the chances that a guilty suspect will go unidentified. The use of a written test, known as Symptom Validity Testing, in conjunction with polygraph testing may improve the accuracy of results. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128151812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127111143.htm Radiologists are investigating the use of computed tomography as a tool for civilian medical examiners' autopsies in the US. CT autopsy has the potential to replace conventional autopsy in determining the cause of certain accidental deaths. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127111143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127105531.htm A new, high-tech identification system developed in Japan will improve accuracy and significantly reduce the time it takes to identify victims of mass disasters, according to a new study. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127105531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108162010.htm Researchers have demonstrated what is probably the world's smallest microwave oven, a tiny mechanism that can heat a pinhead-sized drop of liquid inside a container slightly shorter than an ant and half as wide as a single hair. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108162010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106101204.htm Researchers have devised a new technique to determine the age of living subjects using chest and dental x-rays. This is of special interest in the case of alleged illegal minors, since this technique will make it possible to determine the age of an individual by analysing the x-rays of their bones, when used in legal medicine. Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106101204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071031094308.htm A scientist has discovered a way to literally catch terrorists red-handed. A new chemical spray detector detects the homemade explosive urea nitrate. When sprayed on cotton swabs taken from the hands of a suspect, if they have had recent contact with urea nitrate, the chemical will turn a blood red hue. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071031094308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016131426.htm Ninety-seven years after an American was hanged in London in one of the most notorious and famous murder cases in British history, forensic science is producing evidence that his execution was a mistake. Dr. Hawley Crippen was hanged for murdering his showgirl wife. Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016131426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070917145823.htm Researchers are reporting the development of an inexpensive portable test for accurately identifying flammable liquids used in arson -- the leading cause of fires and the second leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. Identification of flammable liquids used in arson usually requires time-consuming laboratory tests. The new test, called gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry works fast and is small enough for use in the field, they say. Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070917145823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070912094035.htm Police and security services will benefit from new research aimed at improving the investigation of criminal and terrorist activity. Scientists are combining technologies for location-based games and analyzing communication signals with forensic psychology techniques for detecting deception during interviews with suspects. Sat, 15 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070912094035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803120514.htm A layer of ruthenium just a few atoms thick can be used to fine-tune the sensitivity and enhance the reliability of magnetic sensors, tests at NIST show. The nonmagnetic metal acts as a buffer between active layers of sensor materials, offering a simple means of customizing field instruments such as compasses and stabilizing the magnetization in a given direction in devices such as computer hard-disk readers. Wed, 08 Aug 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803120514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070802103435.htm A new fingerprinting technique could potentially detect the diet, race and sex of a suspected criminal, according to new research. A strong trace of urea, a chemical found in urine, could indicate a male. Weak traces of urea in a chemical sample could indicate a female. Specific amino acids could potentially indicate whether the suspect was a vegetarian or meat-eater. Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070802103435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070723115817.htm In a finding that should get a "thumbs up" from CSI fans, researchers are reporting development of a fast new fingerprinting method that shows promise for improving the collection and analysis of fingerprints from crime scenes. Scientists used a special gelatin tape to collect fingerprints from several different surfaces. They then exposed the imprinted gels to a highly sensitive instrument that used a beam of infrared light and an array detector to obtain images of the collected fingerprints. Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070723115817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070723095336.htm The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed an improved version of a real-time magnetic microscopy system that converts evidence of tampering on magnetic audio and video tapes -- erasing, overdubbing and other alterations -- into images with four times the resolution previously available. This system is much faster than conventional manual analysis and offers the additional benefit of reduced risk of contaminating the tapes with magnetic powder. Tue, 24 Jul 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070723095336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070718162904.htm A basic scientist at Jefferson Medical College and the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, has shared a patent on what may someday be a ubiquitous tool in DNA analysis. He and a colleague at Johns Hopkins University, have developed a technique that makes a DNA separation technique called electrophoresis, five times faster and less expensive than is is possible. The discovery could have a range of applications, from forensics, to cloning, and also to bioterrorism. Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070718162904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070718001516.htm Primetime crime drama meets reality in new forensic research. Scientists are using the new Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry interface, which has made a guest appearance on the popular crime show "CSI: New York," to build a library of ink mass spectra using samples from the US Secret Service. The mass spectra library will help identify inks on fraudulent documents and other crime evidence. Thu, 19 Jul 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070718001516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070704141955.htm Insects make up more than half of the known animal species on our planet and they can be found in all kinds of habitat and feed on all kinds of nutrients. They can even be used in evidence in court cases. Forensic entomology involves drawing up a census of insect species of forensic interest. These are basically necrophagous diptera, i.e., flies that live on dead tissue or cadavers. Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070704141955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070529074724.htm "Virtual autopsy" performed with multidetector computed tomography can aid forensics teams in determining if a person has drowned, according to a new study. Tue, 29 May 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070529074724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070517142528.htm Researchers at Texas A&M University are combining statistics and chemistry to shoot holes in traditional bullet-lead analysis techniques and the accuracy of so-called "expert" testimony -- specifically, calling into question critical evidence that has long supported the theory of a lone gunman in the 1963 assassination of United States President John F. Kennedy. Thu, 17 May 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070517142528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070516123538.htm Scientists can now use fingerprints to reveal drug and doping transgressions and to diagnose diseases. They have also been able to use specific antibodies to differentiate between the fingerprints of smokers and nonsmokers. Thu, 17 May 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070516123538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070427105641.htm Scientists have developed a powerful new tool that 'freezes' the memory of crime scenes in the minds of witnesses. The tool - a self-administered interview applied by witnesses at crime scenes - combats natural memory decay by using the latest research in cognitive psychology techniques. It 'freezes' images and details of crime scenes and perpetrators in the minds of witnesses, particularly small and seemingly insignificant details that provide major leads for detectives that turn out to be crucial in solving cases. Sun, 29 Apr 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070427105641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070315132718.htm Hidden fingerprints can be now be revealed quickly and reliably thanks to two developments in nanotechnology. Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070315132718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070220011350.htm A sound and safe agricultural system is critical to national security, but are US crops, a cornerstone of the nation's economy, vulnerable to attack? The latest information on strategies currently in place and what is still needed to keep US crops safe from terrorist attack was presented by Jacqueline Fletcher, Sarkeys Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University, during the 2007 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070220011350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070208100919.htm Archaeologists are now turning to forensic crime lab techniques to hunt for dyes, paint, and other decoration in prehistoric textiles. Although ancient fabrics can offer clues about prehistoric cultures, often their colors are faded, patterns dissolved, and fibers crumbling. Forensic photography can be used as an inexpensive and non-destructive tool to analyze these artifacts more efficiently, according to new Ohio State University research. Fri, 09 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070208100919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070124143901.htm Researchers have patented a device which is capable of the rapid and effective diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by various bacteria. With the aim of extending the uses of the device in the field of health, experts at these technological centers are currently researching their application for the detection and treatment of colorectal cancer. Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070124143901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070119164400.htm Researchers at NIST have developed a copper bullet designed to help end criminal sprees without once being fired. Crime laboratories can use NIST's "Standard Bullet" to optimize the settings of computerized optical imaging instruments used to match markings on fired bullets from a suspected weapon. Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070119164400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070118163355.htm A tiny microbe may hold the key to simpler, lower-cost production of ethanol from biomass sources such as trees, grasses and cornstalks. Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers are studying a bacterium known as Clostridium thermocellum, which has the ability to both degrade cellulose -- cellulose makes up the cell walls of plants -- into sugars and then ferment these sugars into alcohol, or ethanol. Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070118163355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061207160028.htm Virginia Tech researchers used novel methodology and the university's System X supercomputer to carry out what is probably the first simulation that explores full range of motions of a DNA strand of 147 base pairs, the length that is required to form the fundamental unit of DNA packing in the living cells -- the nucleosome. Contrary to a long-held belief that DNA is hard to bend, the simulation shows in crisp atomic detail that DNA is considerably more flexible than commonly thought. Fri, 08 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061207160028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061128084329.htm Technology developed for roadside fingerprints using hand-held devices -- announced in the media this month -- has also been pioneered in identifying the dead, it has been revealed. Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061128084329.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061027183907.htm Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have demonstrated that they can cheaply, quickly, and accurately identify even subnanogram amounts of weapon-grade plutonium and uranium. Sat, 28 Oct 2006 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061027183907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060908192920.htm The emerging scientific discipline of "Environmental Forensics" could make it easier to prove, to the satisfaction of a court of law, who is responsible for instances of pollution. Thu, 14 Sep 2006 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060908192920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/08/060807121419.htm Federal, state and local agencies have reached consensus on the first validated national standard for collecting, packaging and transporting samples of visible powders that are suspected of being biological threat agents, such as anthrax. The new standard meets the needs of the first responders to test the powders on site, and the needs of the federal agencies to conduct tests on the same, uncontaminated powder samples for forensic and confirmatory analysis. Mon, 07 Aug 2006 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/08/060807121419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060418175215.htm Child pornographers will soon have a harder time escaping prosecution thanks to a stunning new technology in development at Binghamton University, State University of New York, that can reliably link digital images to the camera with which they were taken, in much the same way that tell-tale scratches are used by forensic examiners to link bullets to the gun that fired them. Tue, 18 Apr 2006 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060418175215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060404203508.htm A new technique for rapid, on-the-spot detection of dangerous biological substances could give a major boost to anti-terrorist operations worldwide. Harnessing the ability of coated metal particles to change colour in the presence of toxins, viruses and bacteria, it aims to provide a quick 'yes/no' indication of the safety of substances found at crime scenes, in luggage or in suspects' possession. Tue, 04 Apr 2006 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060404203508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060227184837.htm What do a NASA engineer and a detective have in common? The answer is a new NASA photographic laser device that helps look for damages on NASA's Space Shuttle that can also be used to "shoot" more details in crime scenes. Mon, 27 Feb 2006 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060227184837.htm