The latest from ForensicBites
Fly Be-Gone: Discerning Bloodstains from Fly Stains with Electron Microscopy
Pelleti’s team at the University of Bologna developed a straightforward way to distinguish fly artifacts from real bloodstains using electron microscopy. Continue reading Fly Be-Gone: Discerning Bloodstains from Fly Stains with Electron Microscopy
Premature blowfly egg development leads to inaccurate time since death estimations
Scientists discover that blowfly eggs may develop earlier than previously thought, calling into question the accuracy of time of death calculations from forensic entomologists. Continue reading Premature blowfly egg development leads to inaccurate time since death estimations
Body glitter and shimmer can aid sexual assault investigation
The close, physical contact during a violent crime leads to transfer of materials from victims to perpetrators (and vice versa) such as DNA. Researchers at the University of Central Florida recently showed that two unusual types of physical evidence, glitter and shimmer, have the potential to link individuals as well. Continue reading Body glitter and shimmer can aid sexual assault investigation
Weathering the storm: how weather conditions impact the persistence of fiber evidence
European forensic scientists investigate how outdoor weather conditions impact fiber loss on static textiles, giving more quantifiable information for investigators to direct their forensic resources. Continue reading Weathering the storm: how weather conditions impact the persistence of fiber evidence
Photographing blood under layers of soot with infrared cameras
Fire destroys buildings and leaves only ash and rumble in its wake. Arsonists believe that their fiery M.O. protects them from the threat of biological evidence. However, researchers in Australia reveal buried bloodstains from dense, sooty remains. Continue reading Photographing blood under layers of soot with infrared cameras
Say Cheese! A New Method Obtaining DNA from Dental Tissue
Researchers develop an innovative workflow optimizing DNA extraction from teeth obtaining DNA for human genetic identity. Continue reading Say Cheese! A New Method Obtaining DNA from Dental Tissue
The legitimacy of King Elessar’s throne
Dr. Maria Sonia Fondevila takes a look at how we establish long-distance kinship by validating the claim that Aragorn aka King Elessar is Elendil’s direct heir. Continue reading The legitimacy of King Elessar’s throne
Issues in Forensic Science Communication
Forensic science has come under great scrutiny since the turn of the century. Scientists often pride themselves on having the ability to evolve as new evidence is presented. But can they adapt their communication skills to better the flow of knowledge delivery to their target audience? Continue reading Issues in Forensic Science Communication
Blow Your Own Bubble: Forensic Application of the Oral Microbiome
Forensic scientists study the oral microbiome, the collective ecosystem of microbes in your mouth, on discarded chewing gum for potential use in forensic science. Continue reading Blow Your Own Bubble: Forensic Application of the Oral Microbiome
The First Human Taphonomic Research Facility in Europe Opens Its Doors to Donors
A new research facility in the Netherlands looks to help forensic scientists better understand human decomposition processes. Continue reading The First Human Taphonomic Research Facility in Europe Opens Its Doors to Donors
