The latest from ForensicBites
A new indicator of fire-related fatalities: hydrogen cyanide
While carbon monoxide is generally considered the major lethal agent in smoke inhalation, a case study of an elderly Romanian gentlemen highlights the contribution of another less-known killer – hydrogen cyanide. Continue reading A new indicator of fire-related fatalities: hydrogen cyanide
Exploring the use of Micro-CT for assessing skeletal trauma
Skeletal trauma analysis is a complex process, particularly in child abuse cases. Can forensic scientists use 3D imaging technology to help identify and assess fractures? Continue reading Exploring the use of Micro-CT for assessing skeletal trauma
Wildlife Forensics and the Fight Against Poaching
Researchers at the Wildlife Institute of India work to establish a DNA database of wild felines to combat the country’s illegal wildlife trade. Continue reading Wildlife Forensics and the Fight Against Poaching
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
