New Way to Analyze DNA Evidence Under Development

The chair of the Department of Computer Science and an associate professor Desmond Lun,  at Rutgers–Camden, is part of a collaborative research team that has been awarded a $1.7 million Army Research Office grant to create a software program based on a computational method for analyzing DNA evidence. DNA can be found in human cells from blood, hair, and skin. When a forensic analyst takes a DNA sample from an object, the DNA from everyone who had contact with the object is potentially in the sample. Lun is working with researchers from Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For additional information and the full article, go to the website below:

http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2014/12/new-way-analyze-dna-evidence-under-development

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

Body parts forgotten in crime lab over 7 years

A bag of human remains were discovered in a refrigerator at the Delaware Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. “All we know about the remains is that they were found in a wooded area in Kent County and have been in the refrigerator since 2006.”  This shows us how uncontrolled and  lax procedures are at the OCME’s Controlled Substances Laboratory.  A judge is considering filing a motion that could potentially effect well over 200 pending drug cases.  These cases could be thrown out and many more closed drug prosecutions could result in being overturned due to the lack of following procedures at the state’s only drug testing lab.

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2014/09/21/body-parts-ocme-went-unnoticed-six-years/16020999/

[Abstract written by Mercedes Quick, ForensIQ Intern, 9/23/14]

Get Ahead With West Virginia University Summer Courses in Forensics

West Virginia has announced numerous upcoming courses as part of its Forensic Science Initiative. These courses will allow both forensic professionals and civilian practitioners to develop their skills on a variety of topics including, forensic photography, latent print development, paint evidence, blood presumptive testing, and fiber identification. All courses will take place at the Morgantown, West Virginia campus and upon completion; each participant will receive a certificate of completion.

Registration is open for the following WVU summer courses in June and July:

• Basic Crime Scene – June 2 – 6, 2014
• Latent Print Development – June 12 – 13, 2014
• Basic Crime Scene Photography for Law Enforcement – July 1 – 2, 2014
• Paint Evidence and the Forensic Laboratory – July 8 – 10, 2014
• Blood Presumptive Testing & Enhancement – July 10 – 11, 2014
• Identification of Natural and Man-made Fiber – July 15 – 17, 2014
• Characterization & Comparison of Dyed Fibers – July 22 – 24, 2014
• Introduction to Firearm Examination – July 28 – 30, 2014

Registration is free but attendees are responsible for travel and lodging costs.

Source: West Virginia University

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern, 5/15/14]