Forensic Updates

Source:       University of Huddersfield Summary :   Since its first use in the 1980s -- a breakthrough dramatized in recent crime-solving dramas -- DNA profiling has been a vital tool for forensic investigators.  Now researchers have solved one of its few limitations by successfully testing a technique for distinguishing between the DNA -- or genetic fingerprint -- of identical twins.  SINCE its first use in the 1980s --  a breakthrough dramatised in recent ITV series Code of a Killer --  DNA profiling has been a vital  tool for forensic investigators.  Now researchers at the University  of Huddersfield have solved  one of its few limitations by  successfully testing a technique  for distinguishing between the DNA --  or genetic fingerprint -- of identical twins. Dr. Graham Williams from the University of Huddersfield  investigates the separation of the DNA of identical twins. Credit: University of Huddersfield The probability of a DNA match

Twane Dobard remembers the moment that he knew his life was about to change. It was January 27, 2014. Dobard says his roommate told him that his name and face were plastered on the news and he was being called a person of interest in the stabbing death of a Canadian tourist. “When I seen my face, my heart dropped,” Dobard said. “I’m like, ‘What happened.'” Dobard said he knew nothing of the crime and nothing of the victim, Domenico Perruccio. But he turned himself in to Hollywood Police fearing for his safety and hoping to clear his name. Source- Forensic Megazine

Scientists in the UK and the Netherlands have revealed a rapid, single-fingerprint test for cocaine use. The procedure is less invasive, more hygienic and faster than established approaches, which typically test blood, urine or saliva. Portable versions could be available to law enforcement agencies within the next decade. Have you recently taken an illicit drug? You have the right to remain silent, but if authorities really need an answer, there’s a global testing industry worth several billion dollars on hand to help, with an array of analytical techniques. Potentially adding to this arsenal, a team of scientists led by Melanie Bailey at the University of Surrey have now demonstrated a formidable test for cocaine – don’t sweat, it only needs one fingerprint.  The test – brainchild of Marcel de Puit at the Netherlands Forensic Institute – is based on surface mass spectrometry. It desorbs molecules from fingerprints and detects not only cocaine but also its two metabolites, ben

Source- Deccan Chronicle Texas law enforcement authorities confiscated 50 weapons at the scene of the deadly shooting in Waco, Texas, and continue to scour the area, according to AP reports published today. The shooting began inside the Twin Peaks restaurant and spilled out into the parking lot after a parking dispute, Waco police Sgt. Patrick Swanton told media outlets, and that authorities anticipate over 100 weapons will be confiscated before the crime scene investigation is complete. This combination of booking photos provided by the McLennan County Sheriff's office shows people arrested  during the motorcycle gang related shooting at the Twin Peaks restaurant  in Waco, Texas on Sunday, May 17, 2015. Top row from left; Ray Allen, Brian Brincks, Salvador Campos, Richard Cantu and David Cepeda. Middle row from left; Bohar Crump, James David, James Devoll, Matthew Folse and Juan Garcia. Bottom  row from left; Mario Gonzalez, James Gray, Jim Harris, Michael Herring and T

Forensics is changing in the digital age, and the legal system is still catching up when it comes to properly employing digital evidence. Broadly speaking, digital evidence is information found on a wide range of electronic devices that is useful in court because of its probative value. It’s like the digital equivalent of a fingerprint or a muddy boot. However, digital evidence tendered in court often fails to meet the same high standards expected of more established forensics practices, particularly in ensuring the evidence is what it purports to be. Technology changes evidence This is not the first time that technology has impacted the way evidence is gathered and presented in courts. And it’s not the first time that there have been problems in the way new evidence is used. You might remember the case of the death of  Azaria Chamberlain  at Ayers Rock (Uluru) more than 30 years ago. Forensics played a key role in the conviction of Lindy Chamberlain in 1982. However, her c

With all of the crime shows on television, the world of forensic toxicology has gotten a lot of attention. How does what we see on TV compare to the real world? GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) - With all of the crime shows on television, the world of forensic toxicology has gotten a lot of attention. How does what we see on TV compare to the real world? Health Reporter Valerie Lego had a chance to find out. She talks with Dr. Bruce Golderberger, chief of forensics at the University of Florida. He came to Grand Rapids, along with nearly a thousand other forensic toxicologists, for their annual conference.   

-By Michigan State University Much like a finger leaves its own unique print to help identify a person, researchers are now discovering that skull fractures leave certain signatures that can help investigators better determine what caused the injury. Roger Haut (left), a University Distinguished Professor in biomechanics,  and Todd Fenton (right), a forensic anthropologist,  have discovered that skull fractures leave certain signature patterns  that can help investigators better determine  what caused the injury. Implications from the Michigan State University research could help with the determination of truth in child abuse cases, potentially resulting in very different outcomes. Until now, multiple skull fractures meant several points of impact to the head and often were thought to suggest child abuse. Roger Haut, a University Distinguished Professor in biomechanics, and Todd Fenton, a forensic anthropologist, have now proven this theory false. They've found that

For law enforcement personnel, a callout to a crime scene may begin a long and complex series of interlocking investigations into the nature, cause, and persons responsible for  the incident. Specialists known as crime scene investigators  assist law enforcement officers and detectives to uncover the  clues at the scene. Because the United States has more firearms,  and more firearms violence, than any other country, these clues  often involve evidence left behind by firearms.  Firearms have been used for hundreds of years. The world’s  oldest gun was found by archeologists in China. They believe it  was dropped on a battlefield in Manchuria in 1288. By the 1600s,  firearms were becoming essential equipment for the armies of  European nations, and helped pave the way for conquerors who spread out across the globe to the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. By the 1900s, millions of firearms, and the ammunition for them, were being mass produced. During this time, the science of

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In my previous post, I explained about Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and its applications in forensics. I was not able to post on any topic due to my end term exams which are going on right now. I am looking for some material regarding Forensic Toxicology and Forensic Ballistics. I have got a lot of books and going through it for getting data... a unique data this time for great understanding of the topics. I will upload few more books to my account and new study material in coming days for sure. Please subscribe to this blog for updates regarding new posts and tell others about this blog for improving analytic an audience of this blog page. thanks... keep visiting.