Forensic Science
Forensic Science - Related Videos
11:49
Enhanced Genetic Analysis of Single Human Bioparticles Recovered by Simplified Micromanipulation from Forensic ‘Touch DNA’ Evidence
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Cited by 26 •
2015
Here we describe an optimized and efficient removal strategy for the collection of bio-particles present in ‘touch DNA’ samples, together with an enhanced amplification protocol involving a one-step 5 µl micro-volume lysis/STR amplification, to permit the recovery of short tandem repeat (STR) profiles of the bio-particle donor(s).
10:48
Aseptic Technique in Environmental Science
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona Demonstrating Author: Luisa Ikner Aseptic technique is a fundamental skill widely practiced in the field of environmental microbiology that requires a balance of mindfulness and practice in the laboratory. Proper use of this technique reduces the likelihood of bacterial or fungal contamination of reagents, culture media, and environmental samples. Aseptic technique is also vital to ensure data integrity and...
01:13
Psychology as a Science
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2024
Psychology, as a scientific discipline, aims to understand the mind and behavior through rigorous and systematic methods. The foundation of psychological research is evidence-based, relying heavily on the scientific method to derive and validate knowledge. This structured approach ensures that findings are reliable, valid, and applicable to broader contexts. The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
05:31
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Paired with Total Vaporization Solid-Phase Microextraction as a Forensic Tool
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Cited by 2 •
2021
Total Vaporization Solid Phase Microextraction (TV-SPME) completely vaporizes a liquid sample whilst analytes are sorbed onto a SPME fiber. This allows for partitioning of the analyte between only the solvent vapor and the SPME fiber coating.
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
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Cited by 13 •
2018
Bone mineral density (BMD) is an important factor in understanding nutritional intake. For human skeletal remains, it is a useful metric to assess quality of life in both juveniles and adults, particularly in fatal starvation and neglect cases. This paper provides guidelines for scanning human skeletal remains for forensic purposes.
FAQs
Chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and targeted chemical reactions provide different ways to examine a sample’s composition. Their results can support identification, comparison, or detection of alteration rather than relying on appearance alone. In practice, the selected analytical approach depends on the evidence and the chemical question investigators need to address.
Validation shows that a procedure is suitable for the intended analytical purpose, while contamination control reduces the risk that outside material influences a result. Together, these safeguards strengthen confidence that findings reflect the submitted evidence. They also support transparent interpretation, which is essential when analytical conclusions may contribute to legal decisions.
Chemical comparison can reveal whether samples share relevant compositional features or show meaningful differences. This approach is useful for trace materials, inks, fibers, drugs, toxins, explosives, and other evidence where investigators must evaluate possible relationships or identify alterations. The result supports a structured comparison, but its value depends on careful sampling and interpretation.
Careful sampling should be paired with contamination control, validated analytical procedures, and transparent interpretation. These elements address different stages of the evidence process: obtaining material responsibly, preventing outside influence, applying a dependable method, and communicating what the findings do and do not show. Maintaining all four safeguards improves the evidentiary value of chemical results.
Chemical analysis can address drugs, toxins, explosives, trace materials, inks, fibers, and biological evidence. Investigators may use it to characterize an unknown substance, compare materials, or examine whether evidence has been altered. This breadth makes the approach relevant when a case depends on composition rather than on visible features alone.
Forensic science also supports environmental inquiries, public safety work, and courtroom proceedings. In these settings, chemical findings can help characterize substances, compare samples, detect alterations, and address questions about evidence. Reliable results matter across contexts because decisions depend not only on obtaining a measurement, but also on controlling contamination and explaining the interpretation clearly.