FORENSIC SCIENCE

May 25 2026OPINION

New Jersey misses a key tool for fair justice

Last year, a team of students at a New Jersey college rebuilt a 1994 crime scene in 3D. The project uncovered flaws that freed two men after 37 years behind bars. They proved how modern tech can correct old errors. Yet every breakthrough comes with risks. Unchecked tools, like face-matching software

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May 17 2026CRIME

Cutting corners in justice: when science fails and lives pay the price

For over two decades, experts relied on bullet lead analysis to link suspects to crime scenes. The method claimed to determine if two bullets came from the same box of ammunition by comparing their chemical makeup. But in 2005, the FBI admitted the science behind it was flawed. Investigators had use

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Apr 26 2026HEALTH

New Challenges with Designer Drugs: What’s Happening with Fake Benzos?

New kinds of fake benzodiazepines are showing up more often in labs and hospitals, creating tough problems for doctors and scientists. These substances, often called “designer benzos, ” don’t act like regular medicines. They can cause serious harm, especially when mixed with alcohol, painkillers, or

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Apr 19 2026CRIME

Detecting Hidden Drugs: A New Tool for Crime Scene Investigations

Scientists have developed a faster way to spot dangerous drugs at crime scenes. Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), like meth and ecstasy, are a big problem worldwide. They harm people's health and create safety risks. Finding these drugs in messy samples is tricky. Crime scene samples often contain

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Apr 15 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Behind the scenes: the science that cracks tough cases

The show follows a medical examiner who solves crimes not by chasing villains, but by studying tiny clues under microscopes. Instead of fast cars and gunfights, viewers watch high-tech lab tests, careful autopsies, and DNA checks that slowly piece together who did what and when. It proves that patie

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Apr 04 2026EDUCATION

Teaching Forensic Science with Care

Forensic science classes often cover tough subjects like violence and victim stories. Students can feel shaken, and teachers may not know how to keep everyone safe. Researchers looked at books on trauma care, psychology and criminal law, plus their own classroom notes. They found that stude

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Mar 29 2026SCIENCE

A Forensic Trailblazer’s Legacy and Controversy

Dr. Henry Lee, who first stepped into the spotlight during a 1995 trial that captured national attention, has passed away at 87. He spent more than five decades teaching and guiding students in forensic science, shaping the field through both education and practice. Lee’s name is linked to several h

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Jan 18 2026SCIENCE

Speeding Up DNA Detection: A New Trick for Better Results

In the world of forensics, time is of the essence. Scientists are always looking for ways to get DNA results faster without losing quality. Over the past ten years, Rapid DNA tech has made big strides. It can now process samples with a lot of DNA in just 90 minutes. But there are still some problems

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Jan 18 2026SCIENCE

How Skin Germs Can Help Solve Crimes

Skin is more than just what we see. It's home to tiny creatures called microbes. These microbes can tell a story. Scientists wanted to see if these microbes stay the same over time. They also wanted to see if they could match a person to their microbes. Fifteen young adults helped with this study.

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Jan 14 2026CRIME

A Mystery Solved: DNA Uncovers Identity of Man Found on Washington Beach

A man's journey to find answers about his missing father led to a breakthrough in a cold case. The skeletal remains of a man found on a Washington beach in 2006 have been identified as Edwin Asher, a former mayor from Oregon. This discovery came after nearly two decades of uncertainty. Asher was re

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