Bacteria as a Measurement of Post-Mortem Interval

Body temperature and the presence of insects have been used as determinants of the amount of time that a body has been lifeless for years, but Sybil Bucheli and Aaron Lynne think that bacteria can be looked at in place of these. By studying and understanding certain bacteria already present in the human body, they believe that detecting changes over time in these known bacteria can be useful in application as a forensic tool to determine the time of death or post-mortem interval.

Click here to read more.

[Abstract written by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern, 031213]

400,000 Rape Kit Backlog

The Department of Justice says there are around 400,000 rape kits that are being untested around the country. In 2001 after New York City  processed its 17,000 backlog their arrest rate for rape cases increased from 40 to 70 percent. Also in Detroit they analyzed the first 10 percent of their 11,000 backlog which led them to 46 serial rapists. Local authorities cannot afford to process all their kits containing DNA that could lead to convictions. Testing a rape kit could cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. The White House announced an initiative to devote 35 million of the 2015 budget to processing unopened kits. Reopening of these kits could make a difference since rapists have one of the highest recidivism rates. These women go through exams that can take up to four hours and some will never hear anything about it because it can’t be processed.

Click here for full article

Source: New Republic

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 031314]

Agilent Technologies Sponsors Forensic Training

Agilent Technologies is a company who sponsors free web based training. It gives professionals the chance to learn from industry experts the latest analytical tools and strategies in forensics and criminalistics. They provide web-based training for forensic and medical professionals, law enforcement and ancillary professionals. Here are a few upcoming events:

1. DART-TOF for Analysis of Bulk Drugs- Thursday, March 27

2. Controlled Substances Analysis- Thursday, April 10

3. Drugs of Abuse Analysis with the LC QQQ- Thursday, June 17

4. Designer Drug Analysis using the GC QTOF- Tuesday, Sept. 16

To learn more and to Register Visit ForensicEd

Click here for more information on Agilent Technologies

Source: RTI International

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 031314]

The ForensicWeek.com Show – “ASPCA’s Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects.”

orensicWeek.com is airing Episode 54 this Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 7:00 PM (EST).  The topic for discussion is “ASPCA’s Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects.”  The show will take a captivating look at a specialized field that collects and analyzes evidence in animal related crimes. Special guest, Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects, will discuss how they work alongside animal rescuers and various agencies to collect and analyze evidence that local, state and federal law enforcement use to clinch cruelty convictions.  So join host, Tom Mauriello, LIVE and archived on www.ForensicWeek.com. Thank you for watching!

Intelligent Fingerprinting for Drug Screening

A British company, Intelligent Fingerprinting, is developing the first handheld fingerprint-based drug screening device. This device is a non-invasive technology that can screen for multiple drugs and gives results in less than ten minutes. They have gotten funding from private US-based investors on top of government funded grants that will support their final stages of providing this product commercially. This could end the hassle of specialist collection arrangements and biohazard disposal facilities. The device is expected to go into pilot production in 2014.

With Colorado and Washington having legalized recreational marijuana there is the question of road side testing for impaired driving. Maybe this type of technology could shed light on the issue.

Click here for full article

Source: Forensic Magazine

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 030514]

Forensic Psychologists Can Provide Supporting Evidence In Court

Forensic psychologists, particularly in the city of Chicago, may be summoned to court to provide clinical assessments and other supporting evidence that can essentially resolve disputes and accelerate decision-making in complex family cases. Forensic psychology combines the disciplines of forensics and psychology to provide both objective and independent assessments to questions and issues concerning law and the legal system. With this in mind, forensic psychologists can assist families in court by providing assistance with child custody, assessments of addictive disorders, psychotherapy and rehabilitation, and forensic psychology and financial distress.

Interested in reading more about forensic psychologists? Click here for the full article!

Source: Forensic Nexus

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 3/6/14]

3D FingerPrinting

Anil Jain and a team of Michigan State University computer scientists and research collaborator Nick Paulter at the National Institute of Standards and Technology built the first three-dimensional model of a fingerprint. What they develeoped was a method that takes a two-dimensional image of a fingerprint and maps it to a 3D finger surface. It has all the ridges and valleys of the human fingerprint and its made using a 3D printer. They call this a fingerprint “Phantom.” This technology gives a “precise fingerprint model with known properties and features that can be used to calibrate existing technology used to match fingerprints.” This could improve the accuracy in fingerprint sensing and matching.

Anil Jain’s Technical Report on 3D Fingerprint Phantoms

Click here for full article

Source: Michigan State University

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 030614]

Fun Crime Scene Cheat Sheet Infographic

This infographic gives a quick visual representation of the different types of crime scene professionals and the work each must contribute to collectively solve a crime. Quickly yet clearly, this inforgraphic summarizes some of the key concerns and uses of evidence found at a crime scene by giving brief descriptions on: how to lift fingerprints, suggesting clues to look for while estimating the time of death, the use of forensic entomology, analyzing DNA profiling and bloodstains patterns, and describing the process of how an autopsy is completed. Do not substitute this crime scene cheat sheet infographic for training, but use it as a guide for recalling tips and advice of the different types of crime scene professionals and their work.

Click here to view the fun crime scene cheat sheet infographic!

Source: Forensic Nexus

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 3/6/14]

DNA Evidence Solves Boston Strangler Cold Case

In January of 1964, Marry Sullivan was raped and murdered shortly after moving to Boston. Her murderer was not found, however Alberto DeSalvo, known as the Boston Strangler, admitted to murdering her and 10 other victims. He later went back on his confession and left room for doubt in the case. Almost 50 years later, DNA evidence surfaced that would put an end to all doubts and solve the case.

Click here to read the full article.

[Abstract by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern. 030614]

Study Shows How Dogs are Trained to Detect Explosives

Training a dog is no easy feat. Training a dog to detect explosives is considerably much more difficult. This article overviews a study conducted by Indiana University-Perdue University Indianapolis that explored the method used to train police dogs and determine its effectiveness. With the results of the study, options can be discussed on what can be done to make canine detection legally admissible evidence in court.

Click here to view the article.

[Abstract by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern. 030614]

The ForensicWeek.com Show – “Unsolved Histories – The Roots of Forensic Genealogy,”

Legal Professionals – Spend Two Days Learning the Essentials of Forensic Science

WVU Forensic Science Initiative, in collaboration with the National Institute of Justice, will host a free two-day program entitled, Essentials of Forensic Science for Legal Professionals, for legal professionals to expand their understanding of forensic science topics. The program will be held March 11 – 12, 2014, on the West Virginia University Campus in Morgantown, WV. Interpretation of physical evidence, wrongful arson conviction, bias in forensic science evidence, and basic statistical concepts in forensics are a few of the topics that will be discussed. Members of the academic community, lab personnel, and legal specialists will instruct and apply real-world examples to the content presented in this two-day program.

Register now to attend the free Essentials of Forensic Science for Legal Professionals Program. The first 20 individuals to register will receive a free hotel stay while attending the two-day training program! Registration closes March 3, 2014, 5:00 p.m. ET.

For more information about the program and to register now click here!

Source: West Virginia University

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 2/27/14]

Nile Blue Improves Crime Scene Fingerprinting

West Australian chemists, at Curtin University, are developing a new technique that could provide crime investigators with a safer, simpler and more versatile method for obtaining good quality fingerprints from non-porous surfaces and in wet or humid conditions.

The compound Nile red is presently used, providing investigators with both contrast and photoluminescence, making it easier to detect fingerprints on non-porous materials. Although proven useful, Curtin University’s Professor Simon Lewis states that this is expensive and the process uses toxic materials that pose health and safety risk to personnel. Professor Lewis’s team of researchers have found that when the compound Nile blue A is made up in water, a small amount converts to Nile red in sufficient quantities to develop fingerprints. Nile blue A is a less expensive reagent and can be used on non-porous surfaces like ceramic, glass, plastics, and adhesive tape.

Professor Lewis also states that while more work needs to be done, testing shows great potential for the new process, particularly in staff training and for use in developing countries. The main objective of his Australian research team is to improve crime scene fingerprinting by finding a way to obtain clear prints from different surfaces and extracting clear prints in wet or humid conditions.

Interested in reading more about improvements in crime scene fingerprinting? Click here!

Source: Science Network Western Australia

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 2/27/14]

Smart Gun

With the height of gun control debate there is a new technology that can possibly bring some ease. A large firearm store in California has added to its inventory a smart gun called the Armatix iP1. What is so unique about this firearm is the accessory that is required with its purchase. For this smart gun to fire a watch has to be worn. There are electronic chips in the watch and the gun that communicate with each other. If the watch is close enough to the gun a green light turns on and it is able to be fired. This could change the future of gun making technology.

Click here for full article

Source: Washington Post

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 022714]