Validity of forensic odontology identification by comparison of conventional dental radiographs: A scoping review
Identification of the deceased by forensic dental comparison is well accepted as valid and efficient and is one of the primary methods relied upon in disaster victim identification. A vital component of this method of identification is image comparison with dental radiographs, which continues to provide the most valuable source of evidence [1,2]. Radiographs as a graphic record of dental status contain more verifiable information and detail than written descriptions or charts. Human error can lead to inaccuracies in written records but an image provides an irrefutable source of information [2]. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 12, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sher-Lin Chiam, Mark Page, Denice Higgins, Jane Taylor Tags: Review Source Type: research
A forensic visual aid: Traces versus knowledge
In this paper, I introduce the Forensic Field Map (FFM) that provides a two-dimensional view on the forensic field. This field is by definition very broad, encompassing a wide range of scientific areas and activities. The forensic work that supports solving criminal cases ranges from recognizing and preserving traces at crime scenes to explaining forensic results as expert witness in court. This goes hand in hand with the development of scientifically based methods and tooling as well as legal, forensic and laboratory procedures. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 12, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Harm van Beek Source Type: research
Comparison of four DNA extraction methods to extract DNA from cigarette butts collected in Lebanon
This study aims at comparing four extraction methods (Chelex-100, soaking + Chelex-100, Chelex-100 + PK, and DNA IQ™ System) with the intention of identifying the one with maximal recovery rate and profiling success. DNA was extracted using aforementioned four methods from 70 cigarette butts collected from sites across Lebanon. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 11, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hany Kallassy, Louis Y. El Khoury, Madona Eid, Milad Chalhoub, Issam Mansour Source Type: research
Secondary transfer of organic gunshot residues: Empirical data to assist the evaluation of three scenarios
The present study aimed at providing data to assess the secondary transfer of organic gunshot residues (OGSR). Three scenarios were evaluated in controlled conditions, namely displacing a firearm from point A to point B, a simple handshake and an arrest involving handcuffing on the ground. Specimens were collected from the firearm, the hands of the shooter and the non-shooter undergoing the secondary transfer in order to compare the amounts detected.Secondary transfer was observed for the three scenarios, but to a different extent. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 11, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Anne-Laure Gassner, Manuela Manganelli, Denis Werner, Damien Rhumorbarbe, Matthieu Maitre, Alison Beavis, Claude P. Roux, C éline Weyermann Source Type: research
Evaluation of postmortem biochemical markers: Completeness of data and assessment of implication in the field
Throughout the years an increase has been observed in research output on biochemical markers for determining the postmortem interval (PMI). However, to date, a complete overview is missing on the results of postmortem biochemical markers (PBM's) for PMI estimation. In this paper, literature was reviewed in order to identify the knowledge lacunae of PBM research from a practical point of view. A three-step approach was undertaken in order to achieve the set goal. Literature was collected, the PBM's were evaluated for completeness by means of a scorings index based on set criteria, and PBM's were subsequently evaluated in li...
Source: Science and Justice - September 10, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Joris Meurs, Tristan Krap, Wilma Duijst Source Type: research
Two-dimensional metric comparison between dynamic bare and sock-clad footprints for its forensic implications – A pilot study
Footprints may be present at crime scenes as physical evidence. This pilot study compares two-dimensional measurements of bare and sock-clad footprints to determine if significant differences or similarities exist. Dynamic footprints were collected from 30 males and 20 females between the ages of 20 and 61 years old (mean of 28.2 years) using the Identicator Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. A midgait protocol was employed for obtaining footprints. The fifth and sixth footprint of gait were collected for the right and left foot, respectively, in both sock-clad and barefoot trials. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 10, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Michael S. Nirenberg, Elizabeth Ansert, Kewal Krishan, Tanuj Kanchan Source Type: research
Psychedelic fungus (Psilocybe sp.) authentication in a case of illegal drug traffic: sporological, molecular analysis and identification of the psychoactive substance
In nature, there are>200 species of fungi with hallucinogenic properties. These fungi are classified as Psilocybe, Gymnopilus, and Panaeolus which contain active principles with hallucinogenic properties such as ibotenic acid, psilocybin, psilocin, or baeocystin. In Chile, fungi seizures are mainly of mature specimens or spores. However, clandestine laboratories have been found that process fungus samples at the mycelium stage. In this transient stage of growth (mycelium), traditional taxonomic identification is not feasible, making it necessary to develop a new method of study. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 3, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Jaime Solano, Leonardo Anabal ón, Sylvia Figueroa, Cristian Lizama, Luis Chávez Reyes, David Gangitano Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
IFC: Editorial Board
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM1: Events Guide
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM2: Council Information
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - September 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Familial DNA searching- an emerging forensic investigative tool
In recent years, jurisdictions across the United States have expressed a growing interest in aiding criminal investigations through the use of familial DNA searching (FDS)- a forensic technique to identify family members through DNA databases. The National Survey of CODIS Laboratories surveyed U.S. CODIS laboratories about their perceptions, policies, and practices related to FDS. In total, 103 crime labs completed the survey (77% response rate). Labs in 11 states reported using FDS, while labs in 24 states reported using a similar-but distinct- practice of partial matching. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - August 25, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sara Debus-Sherrill, Michael B. Field Source Type: research
Preliminary results of an investigation on postmortem variations in human skeletal mass of buried bones
Extreme fragmentation can complicate the inventory of human skeletal remains. In such cases, skeletal mass can provide information regarding skeleton completeness and the minimum number of individuals. For that purpose, several references for skeletal mass can be used to establish comparisons and draw inferences regarding those parameters. However, little is known about the feasibility of establishing comparisons between inherently different materials, as is the case of curated reference skeletal collections and human remains recovered from forensic and archaeological settings. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - August 23, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ana Amarante, Maria Teresa Ferreira, Calil Makhoul, Ana Rita Vassalo, Eug énia Cunha, David Gonçalves Source Type: research
Lessons learned from inter-laboratory studies of carbon isotope analysis of honey
Forensic application of carbon isotope ratio measurements of honey and honey protein to investigate the degree of adulteration with high fructose corn syrup or other C4 plant sugars is well established. These measurements must use methods that exhibit suitable performance criteria, particularly with regard to measurement uncertainty and traceability – low levels of adulteration can only be detected by methods that result in suitably small measurement uncertainties such that differences of 1‰ or less can be reliably detected. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - August 23, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Philip J.H. Dunn, Sarah Hill, Simon Cowen, Heidi Goenaga-Infante, Mike Sargent, Ahmet Ceyhan G ören, Mine Bilsel, Adnan Şimşek, Nives Ogrinc, Doris Potočnik, Paul Armishaw, Lu Hai, Leonid Konopelko, Yan Chubchenko, Lesley A. Chesson, Gerard van der Pe Source Type: research
Exposing latent fingermarks on problematic metal surfaces using time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy
Fingermarks are a key form of physical evidence for identifying persons of interest and linking them to the scene of a crime. Visualising latent (hidden) fingermarks can be difficult and the correct choice of techniques is essential to develop and preserve any fingermarks or other (e.g. DNA) evidence that might be present. Metal surfaces (stainless steel in particular) have proven to be challenging substrates from which to reliably obtain fingermarks. This is a great cause for concern among police forces around the globe as many of the firearms, knives and other metal weapons used in violent crime are potentially valuable ...
Source: Science and Justice - August 23, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Tshaiya Devi Thandauthapani, Adam J. Reeve, Adam S. Long, Ian J. Turner, James S. Sharp Source Type: research
Stature estimation from tibia percutaneous length: New equations derived from a Mediterranean population
Stature is a fundamental anthropometric character to trace the biological profile of a person. In some cases, when dismembered or mutilated bodies are discovered in a forensic context, it is essential to estimate stature from single districts of the body. Nevertheless, to date and worldwide, there are only few population-specific studies on stature estimation from leg length and none of them concerns modern populations in southern Europe. We attempted to fill this gap, focusing on the estimation of stature from the length of the tibia in a Mediterranean population (Italians). (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - August 14, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, Barbara Bramanti, Natascia Rinaldo Source Type: research
