Crime-fighting tools are getting a tech upgrade. Sensors are stepping into the spotlight, offering a faster, cheaper way to tackle crime. But there's a catch. Current sensors have some big problems. They're pricey, tricky to use, and need experts to make sense of the results. Researchers have been busy testing new sensor tech. They looked at over 1, 400 studies. Out...
In Richland County, a unique opportunity is opening doors for students. They are getting a firsthand look at the work of coroners. They are learning about forensic science and death investigation. This is all thanks to the Richland County Coroner Cadet Program. This program is not your typical classroom experience. It is a two-week intensive training session. S...
Forensic science is getting a boost from new sequencing technology. This tech lets scientists get genetic info from tough samples. One new tool, IBDGem, looks at sequencing data, even from low-quality samples, to figure out if a DNA match is likely. But here is where things get tricky. IBDGem checks if the sample comes from someone in a reference database. This is no...
In the world of forensic science, figuring out someone's age can be a real puzzle. There are many ways to do it. One of them is by looking at how bones and teeth develop. The bones in the neck, known as cervical vertebrae, can tell a lot about how grown-up a person is. These bones are a solid clue for figuring out age. When these bones are studied alongside other si...
In the world of crime-solving, every tiny clue counts. When it comes to violent crimes like murder or rape, the victim's fingernails can hold crucial evidence. These tiny samples can contain DNA from the attacker, but they often mix with the victim's own DNA. This mix can make it tough to figure out who the culprit is. So, how do investigators get the best DNA sample...
Food safety is a big deal. It is a serious issue, especially when it comes to illegal tampering. This has made the need for reliable detection methods more important than ever. Opium poppy shells are a key part of the drug trade. Being able to track and identify them is crucial in legal cases involving drugs. A recent study took a close look at six types of opiu...
The world of crime-solving is evolving rapidly. 3D printing is the latest tool making waves in forensic science. This technology builds solid objects by stacking materials, guided by digital designs. It's not just about creating cool gadgets or toys. 3D printing is now aiding in solving crimes. It's used in various forensic fields, from studying explosives to reconst...
Forensic science is always on the lookout for new ways to solve crimes. One exciting development comes from the world of Volabolomics. This field focuses on Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, which are gases released by various materials and processes. In a recent study, researchers explored how these VOCs could be used as evidence in murder investigations. The...
In the world of crime-solving, flies are often seen as pests. However, they can be incredibly useful in forensic investigations. These insects, particularly fly larvae, can help estimate the time since death, known as the postmortem interval. This is crucial for understanding when a crime might have occurred. But there's more to these tiny creatures than meets the ey...
GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, is a sneaky substance. It's often used in recreational drugs and, sadly, in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. The problem? GHB breaks down quickly in the body. This makes it hard for investigators to collect evidence. Plus, it's tricky to tell if GHB was added to a drink or if it's naturally present in the body. So, how do experts ...