Burglary crime scenes of lived-in residences make it difficult for forensic examiners to collect trace evidence. The de Poot group at Amsterdam University developed a heatmap of touch to assist examiners in collecting evidence. Continue reading Heatmap of Touch: Strengthening Residential Burglary Evidence Collection
Glass particles are notoriously difficult to study since they are small and nearly invisible. A Dutch research group is using glow-in-the-dark sand to study glass particle transfer. Continue reading Developing a New Visual Model for Glass Particle Transfer
CSI examiners can determine many things with gunshot residue – but not whether there was a suppressor on the weapon. Now, scientists from Italy have shown that a subtle influence in the metal properties of GSR can indicate the presence of a silencer. Continue reading New method reveals if a silencer was used in a shooting
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
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
To make invisible fingermarks, well, visible, forensic scientists use chemical compounds like superglue. But what if instead we could make them glow – using quantum dot technology? Continue reading Quantum dots shine new light on latent fingermarks
Scientists from the National Center for Forensic Science and Indiana University document soil degradation of ignitable liquids, potentially allowing analysts to overcome this issue with real evidence. Continue reading How does dirt affect ignitable liquids?
PhD student Francesco Sessa and his colleagues at the University of Foggia, Italy have determined that adhesive tape is the best method for retrieving touch DNA left on clothing- even after only 2 seconds of contact. Continue reading What is the best method for collecting touch DNA on clothing?
Equipped with the knowledge of creating powerful explosives, criminals can now produce more devices. A group of researchers set out to establish a quick way to identify the manufacturers of these explosives. Continue reading Fireworks provide insights to dangerous homemade explosives
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
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