The latest from ForensicBites
Can Raman spectroscopy protect us from nerve gas?
A team in Spain developed a rapid and accurate way to detect chemical warfare agents- in the air. Continue reading Can Raman spectroscopy protect us from nerve gas?
Using machine learning to find patterns in blood
Crime scenes can be messy and disorganized places, taking days to collect evidence and weeks to analyze in the laboratory. Analysts and researchers alike are working towards improving all parts of the crime solving process to speed up cases and provide better analysis methods. Continue reading Using machine learning to find patterns in blood
Behind the Scenes: DNA Processing
DNA is used to obtain information about an individual’s identity from all types of materials to aid in investigations from missing persons to homicides. But what goes into how we get the DNA from sources found at a crime scene into generating a DNA profile? Continue reading Behind the Scenes: DNA Processing
Identifying forensic science’s “first responder”, the blowfly
Researchers from the University at Albany construct a model that can be used to identify different species of blowflies. Continue reading Identifying forensic science’s “first responder”, the blowfly
New technique explodes into the forensic scene
With the advancement of the internet and spreading of information, it has become easier for people to create dangerous devices. Crime laboratories are looking for a quick and surefire way to identify explosive devices before and after detonation. Continue reading New technique explodes into the forensic scene
Breaking the Bad: can medical companies prevent criminals from making drugs?
Pharmaceutical companies are rolling out “tamper-resistant” medicines- but how do their claims stack up to reality? Continue reading Breaking the Bad: can medical companies prevent criminals from making drugs?
Augmenting Cocaine Signals with Gold
Private sector scientists working for Real-Time Analyzers, Inc (RTA) explore the possibility of enhancing the signal of cocaine to forensically relevant levels using gold nanoparticles. Continue reading Augmenting Cocaine Signals with Gold
Is There Evidence Hiding in Your Hair?
Researchers from Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine determine the most effective method for decontaminating forensic hair evidence. Continue reading Is There Evidence Hiding in Your Hair?
Using the power of magnets to separate drug powders
There are many ways to separate a mixture of powder drugs – but magnetic levitation? Continue reading Using the power of magnets to separate drug powders
Drugs, Drugs Everywhere
Every day, people come in contact with legal and illegal substances, whether directly or indirectly – such as handling cocaine-contaminated bills. How do crime laboratories separate the difference from cross-contamination on the scientists and the samples from casework? Continue reading Drugs, Drugs Everywhere
