Wallet-sized Labs the Next Big Thing for Toxicology

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, (RMIT) researchers are developing an inexpensive, portable toxicology laboratory, that is so small you could fit it in your wallet. This new  microfluidic chip will be used  for toxicology and drug discovery testing. For more information on how they plan to use this new chip please go to the website below.

http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2014/10/wallet-sized-labs-next-big-thing-toxicology

[Abstract written by Mercedes Quick, ForensIQ Intern, 10/29/14]

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]

Fort George G. Meade Chemist Is Awarded The AAFS Rolla N. Harger Award

On Feb. 21, 2014, Michael Smith, supervisory chemist at Fort George G. Meade’s Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory, was awarded the Rolla N. Harger Award from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Throughout his career, Smith has been assigned: chief of forensic testing at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner’s Office in Rockville, scientific programs officer in charge of drug demand reductions for the Army at the Pentagon, expert medical witness personnel in military court-martial proceedings at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner’s Office, and is currently a supervisory chemist at Ft. George G. Meade overseeing drug testing for civilian defense employees. Additionally, Smith has helped conduct medical research that has been published in more than 90 publications, including Clinical Chemistry, Journal of Analytical Toxicology and Journal of Forensic Sciences.

Smith was presented with the Rolla N. Harger award for his lifetime achievements and contributions to the field of forensic toxicology during a career spanning more than 25 years.

Click here to read the full article and learn more about the Rolla N. Harger Award!

Source: Capital Gazette

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Student Intern, 3/13/14]