The effect of mark enhancement techniques on the subsequent detection of saliva
This study aims to assess the effect of latent and blood mark enhancement techniques (e.g. fluorescence, ninhydrin, acid violet 17, black iron-oxide powder suspension) on the subsequent detection of saliva. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - May 18, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Patricia McAllister, Eleanor Graham, Paul Deacon, Kevin J. Farrugia Source Type: research
The identification of emotions from gait
There has been a considerable increase in the use of gait as a contributor to identification, particularly because of its utility when other strategies such as facial recognition and fingerprints cannot be applied [1,2]. Gait is the manner or style in which a locomotor activity, such as walking or running, is undertaken [3]. A person's gait is the result of a complex interaction of their anatomy, physiology, and in particular their neurology, pathology and injury. Their gait represents a series of alterations, or compensations, to a basic pattern of movement necessitated by the peculiarities of the person [4 –7]. (Source...
Source: Science and Justice - May 17, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ivan Birch, Tabitha Birch, Diane Bray Source Type: research
The identification of emotions from gait
There has been a considerable increase in the use of gait as a contributor to identification, particularly because of its utility when other strategies such as facial recognition and fingerprints cannot be applied [1,2]. Gait is the manner or style in which a locomotor activity, such as walking or running, is undertaken [3]. A person's gait is the result of a complex interaction of their anatomy, physiology, and in particular their neurology, pathology and injury. Their gait represents a series of alterations, or compensations, to a basic pattern of movement necessitated by the peculiarities of the person [4–7]. (Source:...
Source: Science and Justice - May 17, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ivan Birch, Tabitha Birch, Diane Bray Source Type: research
Sex estimation from the scapula in a contemporary Chilean population
The scapula is valuable for sex estimation in human skeletons. Muscles provide protection to the scapula making it difficult to fracture, therefore increasing the potential for undamaged scapulae at forensic scenes. The goal of this project is to evaluate the accuracy of discriminant functions, created using an indigenous Guatemalan and contemporary Mexican population, when applied to a contemporary Chilean sample for estimation of sex from the scapula. The length of the glenoid cavity (LGC) and breadth of the glenoid cavity (BGC) were measured. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - May 13, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Tanya R. Peckmann, Ciara Logar, Susan Meek Source Type: research
Providing scientific guidance on DNA to the judiciary
A series of short documents have been written in response to a request from the UK Judiciary for explanations of research that was commissioned in response to questions they had raised. These related principally to the potential impact of primer binding site mutation (PBSM) but it became clear at an early stage that it was necessary to explain related issues. The three scientific guidance papers (SGPs) that have been prepared thus far are presented in their entirety so that UK scientists may be aware of what has been presented to judges. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - May 9, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ian Evett, Susan Pope, Roberto Puch-Solis Source Type: research
Building the research culture in the forensic sciences: Announcement of a double blind testing program
‘The need for a research culture in the forensic sciences’ was published in 2011 by Mnookin et al. [1], and while addressing the situation in the United States specifically, we think that many of the issues raised are relevant internationally. The authors “describe the underdeveloped research culture in the non-DNA forensic sciences, offer suggestions for how it might be improved, and explain why it matters”. They argue that the traditional forensic sciences in general do not possess – and absolutely must develop – a well-established scientific foundation through a scientific research culture that “must be gr...
Source: Science and Justice - April 30, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Reinoud D. Stoel, Wim Kerkhoff, Erwin J.A.T. Mattijssen, Charles E.H. Berger Tags: Editorial Source Type: research
Editorial Board
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - April 30, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Events Guide
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - April 30, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Council Information
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - April 30, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Structural recognition and nomenclature standardization in forensic knot analysis
The analysis of knots during civil and criminal investigations is characterized by two fundamental challenges: the precise recognition of all structural nuances and the application of accurate, universally recognized terms. These challenges are exacerbated by inconsistencies, contradictions and regional terminology, which occur in common practice and in mainstream books as well as within forensic science. Some knots bear multiple or value-laden names, even misnomers, and some terms have manifold applications. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - April 29, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Robert Charles Chisnall Tags: Review Source Type: research
The impact of severe lung disease on evidential breath analysis collection
It is a legal requirement to supply a breath analysis sample when requested by Police at roadside checkpoints. The current device requires a 1L sample at 8L ·min−1. Court disputes commonly attribute respiratory disease for failure to produce a sample. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - April 21, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Leigh M. Seccombe, Peter G. Rogers, Lachlan Buddle, Barbara Karet, Gavina Cossa, Matthew J. Peters, Elizabeth M. Veitch Tags: Emerging research article Source Type: research
