Fragrances Scent Profiles Used to Categorize Suspects

Forensics experts are building chemical profiles of popular fragrances to help them identify scents left on clothing and items touched by offenders. These traces are coming from deodorant, perfume and soap left behind at crime scenes. By building up a ‘scent profile’  it can help to narrow down lists of suspects and even be used as evidence in court. They hope that by identify key compounds from the sweat left behind by criminals, it can be used as evidence against them. For additional information and to learn more please go to the link below:

http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2014/11/scent-profiles-used-categorize-suspects

[Abstract written by Mercedes Quick, ForensIQ Intern, 11/29/14]

Va Budget Cuts Hit Forensic Lab Analysis of Trace Evidence

Virginia Department of Forensic Science is budget cutting  to and reducing analysis of gunshot residue and several other kinds of trace evidence. For the full article go to the website below:

http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2014/12/va-budget-cuts-hit-forensic-lab-analysis-trace-evidence

[Abstract written by Mercedes Quick, ForensIQ Intern, 12/01/14]

3D Prints Takes Over Traditional Clay Modeling

Traditional Clay Modeling in Forensic Facial Reconstruction is being replaced by 3D Printings. The process consists of recreating the face of a person with only the skull as a reference. When making a clay model you had to be an artist schooled in anatomy, anthropology, and ontology. Even though clay models have been used for many years their is a major problem with the current practice of forensic facial reconstruction and it’s that the skull must be used and can, in the process, potentially be damaged. This machine is called  Z Scanner where it makes a scan of the skull, then a Z650 3D printer is used to produce a lifesize replica of the skull. For more information go to the link below.

http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2014/10/3d-printing-replacing-clay-modeling-forensic-facial-reconstruction

[Abstract written by Mercedes Quick, ForensIQ Intern, 10/27/14]

Detecting Explosives with Light

Research from the University of Adelaide has created a sensor that can detect tiny quantities of explosives with the use of light and special glass fibers. This fibre sensor can detect explosives in concentrations as low as 6.3 ppm (parts per million). Its analysis time are only a few minutes. Traditionally explosives detection has involved looking for metals that encase them such as in land mines. But today explosive devices will often have no metal in them so we need to be able to detect the explosive material itself. It uses a plastic material that emits red light when illuminated with green laser light, and the amount of red light it emits is reduced by the presence of explosives. It also has high sensitivity and it can detect tiny quantities of an explosive. This can also be used to quantify the amount of explosive by looking at how the light emission changes over time. This type of technology could help greatly in the fight against terrorism.

Click here for full article

Source: Science Daily

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 051514]

Upcoming Technology Assisting in Arson Investigations

When it comes to arson cases, one of the most time consuming processes involved is determining the cause of a deliberately set fire. University of Alberta researcher James Harynuk and Royal Canadian Mounted Police scientist Mark Sandercock are taking steps towards simplifying this process by teaming up to develop a computer program that can sort through the chemical clues left behind by arson. Using gasoline chemical samples from 232 samples drawn from fire debris in cases under investigation in Canada, a filter was developed that isolated the signature of gasoline and was used to determine the presence of gasoline in the debris sample, and thus indicate if it could have been the source, or one of the sources, of the fire. Sandercock stated that “By getting the laboratory results back quickly, investigators can use this information to ask the right questions when interviewing people or evaluating other evidence, which will help them resolve the case more quickly by pointing them in the right direction.” The program has yet to be given a name but is currently in the process of gathering support for commercialization as well as testing on other less common flammable fluids.

Read the full article here.

[Abstract Written by Walter Tates, Forens-IQ Inc. Intern, 050114]

Fluorescent Sensor Detects the Date-Rape Drug

The technical term for the date-rape drug is GHB or Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid. It is a central nervous system depressant that can incapacitate a person. GHB is odorless, colorless, and little salty and is pretty much undetectable when mixed in a drink. It takes effect within 15 to 30 minutes and can last for three to six hours. This is the reason why sexual predators use it. A Chemistry team from the National University of Singapore has developed a fluorescent sensor that detects the presence of GHB. The sensor is highly sensitive and produces a quick response. When the GHB is added to a drink the sensor’s florescent color looses its intensity. The team plans to invent a portable GHB detection kit within a year. This could make a vast difference in the prevention of GHB facilitated sexual assault.

Click here for full article

Source: Forensic Magazine

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 040314]