Found dead in the snow − how microbes can help pinpoint time of death for forensic investigations in frigid conditions

An accurate estimate of when someone died is a critical part of forensic investigations. In extremely cold conditions, molecular biology can provide critical information where the naked eye cannot.

Lavinia Iancu, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, Director of the Forensic Science Program, University of North Dakota • conversation
Sept. 9, 2024 • ~8 min

Forensic science cracks the ‘unsolvable’ case of a World War I soldier’s identity, enabling his re-burial

Pfc Charles McAllister will finally be laid to rest in his home town on Seattle.

Jay Silverstein, The Department of Chemistry and Forensics, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Aug. 8, 2024 • ~7 min

We’re working out how to solve crimes in space – the final frontier of forensic science

If we need to use forensic techniques in space, we’ll need to understand how things behave differently in microgravity.

Zack Kowalske, PhD Researcher, Staffordshire University • conversation
March 7, 2024 • ~7 min

Your fingerprint is actually 3D − research into holograms could improve forensic fingerprint analysis

Using fingerprints to catch criminals isn’t 100% accurate, but analyzing fingerprints in 3D, rather than 2D, could improve the process.

Partha Banerjee, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Dayton • conversation
Jan. 16, 2024 • ~8 min

Your unique body odor could identify who you are and provide insights into your health – all from the touch of a hand

Human scent could one day be used as evidence in forensics and as diagnostic information in medicine.

Vidia A. Gokool, Postdoctoral Researcher, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory • conversation
Sept. 20, 2023 • ~8 min

New research reveals that Ötzi the iceman was bald and probably from a farming family – what else can DNA uncover?

We can predict hair and eye colour with reasonable accuracy from DNA, but other characteristics are being investigated.

Caroline Smith, Assistant Head, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster • conversation
Aug. 24, 2023 • ~7 min

Identifying fire victims through DNA analysis can be challenging − a geneticist explains what forensics is learning from archaeology

Maui officials have asked relatives to provide DNA samples to help identify victims of the Lahaina wildfires. Time and exposure to the elements, however, can make DNA retrieval from remains difficult.

Anne Stone, Professor of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University • conversation
Aug. 18, 2023 • ~9 min

The camera never lies? Our research found CCTV isn't always dependable when it comes to murder investigations

CCTV is a popular form of digital evidence but it can be unreliable and problematic.

Fiona Brookman, Professor of Criminology, University of South Wales • conversation
March 17, 2023 • ~6 min

Children's eyewitness testimony can be as accurate as adults' or more so – if interviewers follow these guidelines

Human memory doesn’t work like a video camera, simply recording a scene as it happens. But researchers know how to help children recall information accurately.

Ben Cotterill, Lecturer in Psychology, Clemson University • conversation
Sept. 26, 2022 • ~8 min

Plants might be able to tell us about the location of dead bodies, helping families find missing people

Researchers are figuring out how plants respond to the presence of human cadavers. The findings could prove important for discovering the locations of murder victims or mass graves.

Neal Stewart, Professor of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee • conversation
Sept. 3, 2020 • ~7 min

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