A Solution to a Hairy Problem in Forensic Science
In an effort to make hair comparison a more useful technique for investigating crimes, scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new way to dissolve hair proteins without destroying them. Once in solution, the protein molecules from two hairs can be analyzed and compared, yielding objective, quantitative results. Hair can […]
Using Isotopes to Tell the Stories of the Unidentified
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), 600,000 individuals go missing in the United States each year. While many are quickly found, it is estimated that 4,400 unidentified bodies are recovered each year, with 1,000 of them remaining unidentified after one year. All told, there are currently more than 40,000 sets of […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! Forensic Proteomics Research Provides New Tools for Crime Scene Investigations (The […]
The Recovery of Human Touch DNA from Poached Rhinoceroses
In recent years, rhino poaching has increased dramatically in South Africa. This illegal activity is predominantly driven by the growing demand for rhino horn. Poaching cases can be extremely difficult to investigate and prosecute due to the nature of the evidence available at the scene. To address this challenge, additional investigative tools are needed. […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! 9/11 Victim Identified Through DNA Testing: Medical Examiner (Patch – 10/18/2019) […]
The Genetic Legacy of Interbreeding with Neandertals
Publishing a draft of the Neandertal genome (1) opened up whole new avenues to understanding the ancestry of modern humans. No longer constrained to comparing the morphology of fossilized remains, scientists can now delve into the genetic differences between anatomically modern humans and our close relative Homo neanderthalensis. From these genetic studies, we are learning some […]
This Week in Forensic Science
No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door! The Government’s Plan to Collect Migrant DNA Could Send Us Down […]
The Good ‘Ol Days: Recounting the Beginnings of Forensic DNA Technology with Cece Crouse
This year, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the International Symposium on Human Identification. While our agenda often showcases current and emerging technologies, we also want to pay homage to the technologies and people who paved the way for the field of forensic DNA technology. In the opening video at ISHI 30, retired Lab Director […]
Toilet Paper: The Newest Tool in the Fight Against Crime
In July of 2009, the bodies of 43-year-old Alan Grna and his 85-year-old mother Julianna were discovered in their Ohio home—both victims of a violent assault. The lead detective in the case called in the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) to collect evidence from the crime scene, evidence that would lead them […]
