Glowing Clues: Smartphones and Science Team Up to Crack Crimes

Scientists have revolutionized crime scene investigations with a high-tech method that uses a smartphone and a special glowing chemical called luminol.

How It Works

• When luminol meets blood, it lights up.
• A smartphone records the process in a video.
• Smart software analyzes the videos, distinguishing between human and cow blood, even if diluted.

Advantages

• Eco-friendly: Uses far less luminol than traditional methods.
• Accurate: Works on cotton, ceramics, wood, and glass.
• Estimates blood age within 3.6 days.
• Fast and efficient, benefiting both forensic scientists and the environment.

Limitations

• Less accurate on wood and glass surfaces.
• No method is flawless, but this is a significant advancement in forensic science.