Forensic DNA expert Dr. Arthur Eisenberg, Professor in the Department of Pathology and Human Identification at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and Director of the University of North Texas System, Center for Human Identification, discusses how a new technology for analyzing degraded DNA is expected to significantly aid law enforcement in solving crimes and making identifications in missing persons cases.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWGsC2uGqGU
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mobile Forensics
This article talks about today's forensic examiners and how they look at mobile devices and digital information just like any other piece of evidence- examining every possible detail, in a forensically sound process. Just like physical evidence at a crime scene can be contaminated if carelessly observed or manipulated, it is a digital forensic examiners duty to analyze a device without causing any changes, to the original evidence- a cell phone in this case, in a 'read only' fashion.Sunday, June 28, 2009
New Fingerprint Test Tells What a Person Has Touched ,Reveals Drug Use and Medical History: method raises privacy issues, and provides breakthrough in surgery
Fingerprints can reveal critical evidence, as well as an identity, with the use of a new technology developed at Purdue University that detects trace amounts of explosives, drugs or other materials left behind in the prints. It reads and provides an image of a fingerprint's chemical signature and can determine specific medical conditions.
Fingerprints can reveal critical evidence, as well as an identity, with the use of a new technology developed at Purdue University that detects trace amounts of explosives, drugs or other materials left behind in the prints. It reads and provides an image of a fingerprint's chemical signature and can determine specific medical conditions.
Writing in Friday’s issue of the journal Science . Graham Cooks, a professor of chemistry at Purdue University, describe how a laboratory technique, mass spectrometry, could find a wider application in crime investigations. "The classic example of a fingerprint is an ink imprint showing the unique swirls and loops used for identification, but fingerprints also leave behind a unique distribution of molecular compounds," Cooks said. "Some of the residues left behind are from naturally occurring compounds in the skin and some are from other surfaces or materials a person has touched."In Dr. Cooks’s method, a tiny spray of liquid that has been electrically charged, either water or water and alcohol, is sprayed on a tiny bit of the fingerprint. The droplets dissolve compounds in the fingerprints and splash them off the surface into the analyzer. The liquid is heated and evaporates, and the electrical charge is transferred to the fingerprint molecules, which are then identified by a device called a mass spectrometer. The process is repeated over the entire fingerprint, producing a two-dimensional image.The researchers call the technique desorption electrospray ionization, or Desi, for short.Because the spatial resolution is on the order of the width of a human hair, the Desi technique did not just detect the presence of, for instance, cocaine, but literally showed a pattern of cocaine in the shape of the fingerprint, leaving no doubt who had left the cocaine behind.
Computer Facial Reconstruction (Muscle & Skin)
Applying muscle and skin to the bone requires computer tomography (CT) scans of actual living people, which acquire images showing where bones cast shadows onto the skull and record hard/soft tissue (bones and flesh) in a 3 dimensional, view. Using CT scans, data files record the shape of the skull as well as the tissue depth. Forensic anthropologist's knowledge is also utilised in choosing an appropriate form of CT scan. Any clothing found with the bones can provide a clothing size, which is useful, as it allows scientists to adjust any tissue depth measurements to account for obesity or thinness. Merging the two scans, the CT scan is applied to the digital scan of the skull, becoming two skulls on top of each other. At this stage of the process, the two skulls are different shapes. The computer program distorts the skulls' marks on both so they match each other and at the same time, distorting the facial tissue properties, creating a facial shape that resembles the victim.Article: http://www.assemblage.group.shef.ac.uk/1/evison.html
Digital Imaging Technology
The diagram to the left illustrates the hyoid bone in the neck. A broken hyoid bone in decedent can be a sign of manual strangulation.Digital imaging technology has raised the bar for evidence in court. Poor quality photo can be enhanched, scene photos can be arranged and displayed in a way easy to follow, and digital animations can be reconstructed to the act or incident of the crime.
Digital Courtroom
In today's age of technology juries almost expect to see state of the art technology employed in both criminal investigations, as well as criminal and civil trials. "Further, the amount of electronic information available, (such as phone records, credit records/financial records, e-mails communications, automated tolls pass transponders, etc...) to support or refute issues that arise in any investigation, need to be sorted, analyzed, and legibly displayed, in order for those records to have an impact on the case"(crime scene forensics).Modern technology provides us with a variety of different software applications that can turn mountains of records into concise, easy to comprehend courtroom exhibits.Sketches can be the most important part of telling the story. A good diagram of the scene will make it much easier for juries to follow the testimony of witnesses. Each item of evidence, or point of interest can be laid out in the diagram to give more accurate understandings of the scene.Diagrams can be displayed in the center of an exhibit, surrounded by actually scene photos.
Work Cited: Crime Scene Forensics, LLC, New York; www.crimescene-forensics.com
DNA Identity Testing
Today, DNA identity testing is widely used in the field of forensics and paternity identification. Other clinical applications are based upon the methods developed for forensic testing. They include assessment of donor hematopoietic engraftment after bone marrow transplantation and chimerism analysis after solid organ transplantation. Other uses include confirming a diagnosis of hydatidiform mole and resolving issues of specimen identity in cases of specimen mislabeling or misidentification. Finally, DNA identity testing can be used to evaluate tumor transmission after transplantation and thus determine whether a malignancy is of donor or recipient origin.VNTR and STR are useful for identity testing because they are polymorphic and are inherited in a mendelian fashion. Each individual inherits one paternal and one maternal allele of a specific STR locus, leading to further diversity in STR pattern.
Article: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1200713
Saturday, June 27, 2009
CSI: X-Ray Fingerprints helps find missing and lost children.
Micro-X-Ray Fluorescence Also Provides Chemical Information
Ordinary invasive fingerprinting techniques, such as dusting, are prone to damaging evidence. Micro-X-ray fluorescence images fingerprints without touching them. The process, called MXRF, zaps a print with a tiny X-ray beam that mixes with atoms left behind from sweat or evidence to form an image.
HOW MXRF WORKS: The new technique rapidly reveals the elemental composition of a sample by shining a thin beam of X-rays onto it without disturbing the sample. All chemical elements emit and absorb radiation at a "signature" frequency of light. For instance, sodium emits primarily orange light, while oxygen emits green light. Scientists can pass collected light through an instrument called a spectrograph to spread it into a spectrum, much like visible light spreads into a rainbow of colors by a prism. By carefully studying how the spectrum becomes brighter or darker at each wavelength, scientists can tell what chemical elements are present in a given sample. Chemicals, like potassium,sodium and chlorine from salts excreted in human sweat, then form an image of a fingerprint. This is a new way of visualizing fingerprints in cases where we couldn't detect a fingerprint with the traditional methods. This method also detects unusual chemical elements and their location on the fingerprint, giving valuable clues to investigators.
Scientists say the MXRF technique could be used to better track down lost or missing children. Children's fingerprints are more difficult to detect -- the new method could better detect prints based on chemicals left behind in a child's fingerprints due to food, soil or saliva and this information can be used to track down evidence of the child’s movements. http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006/1208csi_xray_fingerprints.htm
Micro-X-Ray Fluorescence Also Provides Chemical Information
Ordinary invasive fingerprinting techniques, such as dusting, are prone to damaging evidence. Micro-X-ray fluorescence images fingerprints without touching them. The process, called MXRF, zaps a print with a tiny X-ray beam that mixes with atoms left behind from sweat or evidence to form an image.
HOW MXRF WORKS: The new technique rapidly reveals the elemental composition of a sample by shining a thin beam of X-rays onto it without disturbing the sample. All chemical elements emit and absorb radiation at a "signature" frequency of light. For instance, sodium emits primarily orange light, while oxygen emits green light. Scientists can pass collected light through an instrument called a spectrograph to spread it into a spectrum, much like visible light spreads into a rainbow of colors by a prism. By carefully studying how the spectrum becomes brighter or darker at each wavelength, scientists can tell what chemical elements are present in a given sample. Chemicals, like potassium,sodium and chlorine from salts excreted in human sweat, then form an image of a fingerprint. This is a new way of visualizing fingerprints in cases where we couldn't detect a fingerprint with the traditional methods. This method also detects unusual chemical elements and their location on the fingerprint, giving valuable clues to investigators.
Scientists say the MXRF technique could be used to better track down lost or missing children. Children's fingerprints are more difficult to detect -- the new method could better detect prints based on chemicals left behind in a child's fingerprints due to food, soil or saliva and this information can be used to track down evidence of the child’s movements. http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006/1208csi_xray_fingerprints.htm
Friday, June 26, 2009
Forensic Art Solves Many Crimes Today
A forensic artist doing an age progression of a missing person's face has to take into consideration a great deal of information about that person, such as; including lifestyle, personal habits, and family genes. This article talks about how identifying a person using a family photo can be extremly useful. This can make the difference in someone simply recognizing the subject and actually speaking up or phoning in a tip.Thursday, June 25, 2009
Today's Forensics Tools
Today’s computer forensic research is largely divided according to the kind of data being analyzed, rather than the kind of analysis being performed. There is disk forensics, network forensics, RAM forensics, cell phone and small device forensics, document forensics and software forensics. "Research in all of these areas is limited by the inability of experimenters to obtain large datasets that are realistic, varied, and representative of the data from the field. Becausethey lack data, researchers can’t pursue many of the problems faced by today’s forensic practitioners" (Garfinkel).
Today much of the work in the field of computer forensics is focused on visualizing tools, data extraction techniques, and algorithm development. But this work is generally performed on small data sets provided by the experiment. "Few algorithms are validated on a wide range of data, and few tools developed by researchers work reliably in the field when they are exposed to data that is not conformant with the test sets" (Garfinkel). Even more troubling, researchers are missing algorithms and techniques that require massive amounts of information for proper operation.
Work Cited: Garfinkel, Simon L. "Forensic Corpora:A Challenge for Forensic Research". 10 April 2007. http://simson.net/ref/2007/Forensic_Corpora.pdf
Today much of the work in the field of computer forensics is focused on visualizing tools, data extraction techniques, and algorithm development. But this work is generally performed on small data sets provided by the experiment. "Few algorithms are validated on a wide range of data, and few tools developed by researchers work reliably in the field when they are exposed to data that is not conformant with the test sets" (Garfinkel). Even more troubling, researchers are missing algorithms and techniques that require massive amounts of information for proper operation.
Work Cited: Garfinkel, Simon L. "Forensic Corpora:A Challenge for Forensic Research". 10 April 2007. http://simson.net/ref/2007/Forensic_Corpora.pdf
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
STR Analysis
Short tandem repeat (STR) technology is a forensic analysis that evaluates specific regions (loci) that are found on nuclear DNA. The variable (polymorphic) nature of the STR regions that are analyzed for forensic testing intensifies the discrimination between one DNA profile and another. For example, the likelihood that any two individuals (except identical twins) will have the same 13-loci DNA profile can be as high as 1 in 1 billion or greater.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has chosen 13 specific STR loci to serve as the standard for CODIS. The purpose of establishing a core set of STR loci is to ensure that all forensic laboratories can establish uniform DNA databases and, more importantly, share valuable forensic information. If the forensic or convicted offender CODIS index is to be used in the investigative stages of unsolved cases, DNA profiles must be generated by using STR technology and the specific 13 core STR loci selected by the FBI.
Article: http://www.dna.gov/training/strdata/
Polymerase Chain Reaction - Xeroxing DNA
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enables researchers to produce millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in approximately two hours. This automated process bypasses the need to use bacteria for amplifying DNA. It is one of the latest technological advances. This article talks about the copying of DNA and the implications.What Today's Fingerprints Reveal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYU1Td47PHU
This video shows Ronelle Coburn, Master IIHA Hand Analyst and author of Destiny at Your Fingertips, Discover the Inner Purpose of Your Life and What It Takes to Live It, decodes the fingerprints of hosts Lester Holt and Jenna Wolfe on NBC's The Today Show for their Life Purposes. Today fingerprints can reveal a lot about yourself.
This video shows Ronelle Coburn, Master IIHA Hand Analyst and author of Destiny at Your Fingertips, Discover the Inner Purpose of Your Life and What It Takes to Live It, decodes the fingerprints of hosts Lester Holt and Jenna Wolfe on NBC's The Today Show for their Life Purposes. Today fingerprints can reveal a lot about yourself.
Mobile Phone Data Forensics
Mobile Phone Forensics is the retrieval and examination of data found or recovered from mobile phones, PDAs, SIM/USIM cards, computer memory cards and hard drives. Worldwide mobile phone usage has increased dramatically in recent years and as such the convenience of easy communication, any time and anywhere, has lead to this communication tool being regularly utilised in a large number of the cases we investigate. The inevitable trace of evidence from mobile phone usage to clues about people's whereabouts, actions, and intentions delivers the need for mobile phone forensics. Information that can be retrieved from a phone include contact lists, SMS messages, address books, call logs, and location information. This kind of information can make or break a case both in investigations into infidelity right through to corporate fraud investigations.Here is an interesting article on Mobile Forensics: http://www.utica.edu/academic/institutes/ecii/publications/articles/1C33DF76-D8D3-EFF5-47AE3681FD948D68.pdf
Digital Forensics vs. Computer Forensics
Digital Forensics or Computer Forensics?
In the past, computer forensic investigations have had PC and Laptop systems as their primary target for examination. Within the past years, the computer forensic field has been forced to broaden its scope, tools and investigative techniques in order to keep abreast of the personal technology being used by common citizens. Equipment such as Cell phones, PDA's, Blackberrys and GPS systems are used on a daily basis, and can contain vital information from sms test messages, emails, phone logs and previous GPS destination coordinates. Therefore the term Digital Forensics is becoming very popular as the computer forensic field expands and incorporates the digital analysis of new technological devices.
Work Cited: "Digital Forensics for Private Investigators". EzineArticles.com. 2009. 05 June 2009. http://ezinearticles.com/?Digital-Forensics-For-Private-Investigators&id=2062795.
In the past, computer forensic investigations have had PC and Laptop systems as their primary target for examination. Within the past years, the computer forensic field has been forced to broaden its scope, tools and investigative techniques in order to keep abreast of the personal technology being used by common citizens. Equipment such as Cell phones, PDA's, Blackberrys and GPS systems are used on a daily basis, and can contain vital information from sms test messages, emails, phone logs and previous GPS destination coordinates. Therefore the term Digital Forensics is becoming very popular as the computer forensic field expands and incorporates the digital analysis of new technological devices.
Work Cited: "Digital Forensics for Private Investigators". EzineArticles.com. 2009. 05 June 2009. http://ezinearticles.com/?Digital-Forensics-For-Private-Investigators&id=2062795.
Modern Polygraph Machine
The polygraph is used as a lie detector by police departments, the FBI, the CIA, federal and state governments, and numerous private agencies. The underlying theory of the polygraph is that when people lie they also get measurably nervous about lying. The heartbeat increases, blood pressure goes up, breathing rhythms change, perspiration increases, etc.There are three basic approaches to the modern test:
1. The Control Question Test- "This test is often used to determine whether certain criminal suspects should be prosecuted or classified as uninvolved in the crime" (Caroll0.
2. The Direct Lie Test- detects lying by comparing physiological responses when the subject is told to deliberately lie to responses when they tell the truth.
3. The Guilty Knowledge Test- This test compares physiological responses to multiple-choice type questions about the crime, one choice of which contains information only the crime investigators and the criminal would know about.
Work Cited: Carroll, Robert. Criminal Profiling: Cold Reading for Cold Cases. American Psychological Association, 2007.
Friday, June 19, 2009
PAST TECHNOLOGY
VIDEO: HOW TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGY AND PROVE THAT IT WORKS!
MODERN MARVELS: POLICE GEAR - KEVLAR 1975 IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING KEVLAR LESTER SHUMAN ESTABLISHED A MODEL FOR FUTURE POLICE TECHNOLOGY THAT HAS SAVED MANY LIVES. MODERN MARVELS: KEVLAR
http://www.history.com/video.do?name=modernmarvels&bcpid=1766638695&bclid=1803311455&bctid=1606752448
VIDEO: HOW TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGY AND PROVE THAT IT WORKS!
MODERN MARVELS: POLICE GEAR - KEVLAR 1975 IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING KEVLAR LESTER SHUMAN ESTABLISHED A MODEL FOR FUTURE POLICE TECHNOLOGY THAT HAS SAVED MANY LIVES. MODERN MARVELS: KEVLAR
http://www.history.com/video.do?name=modernmarvels&bcpid=1766638695&bclid=1803311455&bctid=1606752448
Visible Proof
The Bertillon system
"Every measurement slowly reveals the workings of the criminal. Careful observation and patience will reveal the truth."
—Alphonse Bertillon, French criminologist
Surveying the suspect's body
After the invention of photography, police began to keep "rogues' galleries," disorganized photographic collections of suspects and convicts. What was needed was a way to retrieve images and information quickly. In 1879, Alphonse Bertillon invented a method that combined detailed measurement and classification of unique features with frontal and profile photographs of suspects—and which recorded the information on standardized cards in orderly files. Bertillon's system was based on five primary measurements: (1) head length; (2) head breadth; (3) length of the middle finger; (4) the length of the left foot; (5) the length of the "cubit" (the forearm from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger). Each principal heading was further subdivided into three classes of "small," "medium" and "large." The length of the little finger and the eye color were also recorded. Bertillon's system was later overtaken by fingerprinting, but the Bertillon "mug shot" endures.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs/galleries/technologies/bertillon.html
"Every measurement slowly reveals the workings of the criminal. Careful observation and patience will reveal the truth."
—Alphonse Bertillon, French criminologist
Surveying the suspect's body
After the invention of photography, police began to keep "rogues' galleries," disorganized photographic collections of suspects and convicts. What was needed was a way to retrieve images and information quickly. In 1879, Alphonse Bertillon invented a method that combined detailed measurement and classification of unique features with frontal and profile photographs of suspects—and which recorded the information on standardized cards in orderly files. Bertillon's system was based on five primary measurements: (1) head length; (2) head breadth; (3) length of the middle finger; (4) the length of the left foot; (5) the length of the "cubit" (the forearm from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger). Each principal heading was further subdivided into three classes of "small," "medium" and "large." The length of the little finger and the eye color were also recorded. Bertillon's system was later overtaken by fingerprinting, but the Bertillon "mug shot" endures.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs/galleries/technologies/bertillon.html
ENTERTAINMENT:CSI FUNNY--(this is TV: NOT real)
SOCIETY FORCES TECHNOLOGY?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7-10_CP45Y
SOCIETY FORCES TECHNOLOGY?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7-10_CP45Y
Forensic scientists dust fingerprints with magnetic particles to reveal the hidden swirls and curls that differentiate each person on the planet. The iron oxide particles attach themselves to the tiny bits of water, minerals, and oils that accumulate on the fingers as they touch various objects and other parts of the body. Coming up: in the "Present" new fingerprinting techniques that use antibodies on your fingers to reveal drug use,gun use, and much more. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/10/fingerprint-drugs.html
VIDEO:The ballistics pendulum was invented in 1742 to measure the speed of bullets. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNGm4mVWMuY
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Forensic Ballistics
Forensic ballistics is concerned with analysing bullets and firearms that have been used in crimes.
Rifling
Identification of a bullet became possible with the advent of rifling as far back as the 1400s. Rifling is a process of applying grooves to a gun barrel which cause the bullets fired to have grooves, indentations and scratches on them. These marks on the bullets are unique to the weapon that fired them. The first recorded case of firearm identification being used to identify the shooter was back in 1835 in England. Oliver Wendell Holmes
In 1902 Oliver Wendell Holmes became the first person to produce ballistics information in a court of law. Having done some reading on firearm identification he used a gunsmith to fire the suspected firearm into cotton wool. This test bullet was then compared to the one recovered from the victim. Under microscope it was proven that both had been fired by the same gun.
Calvin Goddard
Calvin Goddard compiled a database of all the guns available from twelve different manufacturers, including test firing data. He later invented the comparison microscope that allowed two bullets to be viewed side by side for ease of examination.
In 1925 Goddard wrote a piece for the “Army Ordnance” in which he described in detail the use of his comparison microscope for firearm investigations. He titled this article “Forensic Ballistics”, a term which has been retained ever since.
http://forensicsfaq.com/forensic-ballistics.html
Identification of a bullet became possible with the advent of rifling as far back as the 1400s. Rifling is a process of applying grooves to a gun barrel which cause the bullets fired to have grooves, indentations and scratches on them. These marks on the bullets are unique to the weapon that fired them. The first recorded case of firearm identification being used to identify the shooter was back in 1835 in England. Oliver Wendell Holmes
In 1902 Oliver Wendell Holmes became the first person to produce ballistics information in a court of law. Having done some reading on firearm identification he used a gunsmith to fire the suspected firearm into cotton wool. This test bullet was then compared to the one recovered from the victim. Under microscope it was proven that both had been fired by the same gun.
Calvin Goddard
Calvin Goddard compiled a database of all the guns available from twelve different manufacturers, including test firing data. He later invented the comparison microscope that allowed two bullets to be viewed side by side for ease of examination.
In 1925 Goddard wrote a piece for the “Army Ordnance” in which he described in detail the use of his comparison microscope for firearm investigations. He titled this article “Forensic Ballistics”, a term which has been retained ever since.
http://forensicsfaq.com/forensic-ballistics.html
Computer Analysis and Response Team (CART)
The premiere computer forensic group in the United States is the FBI's Computer Analysis and Response Team or CART. CART dates back to the mid 1980's and it derived from the FBI's magnetic media program. The link in the title of this post is the FBI's webpage for CART. It gives a brief background of the team and also highlights some of their accomplishments. (Link in Title)
Computer Froensics Time line
Computer Forensics is really still in its infancy. Its history only goes back about two decades. Here is a basic time line of the history of computer forensics around the world.
(Link in Title)
(Link in Title)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Polygraph Machine Video
This video shows the beginning of the polygraph machine and development. The real question is can the machine scientifically measure if someone is lying or are all those graphs and numbers just pseudoscience? The examiner starts off with control questions and then goes to guilt questions. Can we tell if someone is lying through body language or facial expressions? Their are many questions and no reliable way to detect if someone is lying.
Polygraph Machine
An earlier and less successful lie detector or polygraph machine was invented by James Mackenzie in 1902. However, the modern polygraph machine was invented by John Larson in 1921. John Larson, a University of California medical student, invented the modern lie detector (polygraph) in 1921. Used in police interrogation and investigation since 1924, the lie detector is still controversial among psychologists and is not always judicially acceptable. The name polygraph comes from the fact that the machine records several different body responses simultaneously as the individual is questioned.Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Digital Evidence: Its True Value
Here is an interesting article on digital evidence. It talks about how a floppy disk led investigators to a serial killer. The evolution and new technology advances have solved many crimes as you can see by reading this article. Many cases and criminals were found using a simple floppy disk. Read the following article...
DNA Laboratories have come a long way..
Before 1990, the majority of U.S. forensic laboratories were associated with law enforcement agencies, yet received a relatively small portion of their given agency’s total budget. In general, laboratories performed a range of services including drug testing, firearm examinations, bullet comparisons, paint chip characteristics, assessment of tool marks, serology, handwriting analysis, and fingerprint comparisons. Laboratory personnel received training in fingerprints, basic and advanced blood stain and bullet pattern analysis, evidence collection, and crime scene processing. Due to the length of time and high cost required to obtain probative information, large numbers of samples were not processed.
Law enforcement relied upon forensic laboratories to provide a basic level of discrimination of biological evidence. Analyses of this evidence in cases involving intimate contact were conducted using serological tests such as ABO blood typing and analysis of polymorphic isoenzymes such as Esterase D to enhance the power of discrimination. Discrimination of protein markers was achieved largely through immunological methods or electrophoretic methods using starch gels or isoelectric focusing plates. Phenotyping of biological evidence was possible but required technical expertise and was subject to certain limitations such as the need for fresh semen samples in the analysis of sexual assault evidence. Overall, the typing methods in use provided limited discrimination and lacked the capability to individualize biological evidence. In some cases, individuals who could not be excluded on the basis of serological analysis were exonerated years later through DNA testing.
More on article go to: http://www.forensicmag.com/articles.asp?pid=30
Law enforcement relied upon forensic laboratories to provide a basic level of discrimination of biological evidence. Analyses of this evidence in cases involving intimate contact were conducted using serological tests such as ABO blood typing and analysis of polymorphic isoenzymes such as Esterase D to enhance the power of discrimination. Discrimination of protein markers was achieved largely through immunological methods or electrophoretic methods using starch gels or isoelectric focusing plates. Phenotyping of biological evidence was possible but required technical expertise and was subject to certain limitations such as the need for fresh semen samples in the analysis of sexual assault evidence. Overall, the typing methods in use provided limited discrimination and lacked the capability to individualize biological evidence. In some cases, individuals who could not be excluded on the basis of serological analysis were exonerated years later through DNA testing.
More on article go to: http://www.forensicmag.com/articles.asp?pid=30
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
DNA Forensics in Marine Ecology
DNA Forensics in Marine Ecology
This video speaks about rapid mothods for sequencing DNA which has resulted in major advances in our understanding of the evolution and distribution of a wide variety of different marine organisms. Researcher, Ron Burton describes applications and the evolution of marine life throughout this video. It puts a great perspective to DNA forensics on Ocean Science and Marine Ecology.
This video speaks about rapid mothods for sequencing DNA which has resulted in major advances in our understanding of the evolution and distribution of a wide variety of different marine organisms. Researcher, Ron Burton describes applications and the evolution of marine life throughout this video. It puts a great perspective to DNA forensics on Ocean Science and Marine Ecology.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Forensic Science Center Update
FOR MOST PEOPLE, "forensic science" means cops and fingerprints and DNA analysis. All of that is still true, but these days forensic science encompasses much more. Some "whodunits" are more complicated and can involve an international cast of characters. Forensic science now also is used to verify and monitor compliance with such international agreements as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Chemical Weapons Convention, and to learn whether a country is developing a clandestine nuclear weapons program. The Laboratory's Forensic Science Center was established in 1991, and in its short life has become a leader in law enforcement, national security, defense, and intelligence applications. Using sophisticated analytical equipment, experts in organic, inorganic, and biological chemistry can determine the composition and often the source of the most minute samples of material. Lasers are also being used to "interrogate," or examine, a variety of materials. The March 1994 issue of Energy & Technology Review described in detail the workings of the Forensic Science Center. It reported on the Center's excellent performance in a "round-robin" series of exercises with analytical chemistry facilities from around the world. The Center has done so well in these exercises over the years that it is no longer just a participant. Its staff also prepares samples for other laboratories to analyze. Following is an update on activities at the Forensic Science Center since early 1994.
Miniaturizing the GC/MS The Forensic Science Center is also at the forefront in developing new, portable systems capable of real-time analysis in the field. These units have numerous applications, from identifying materials to support verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention to investigating criminal activities. Almost five years ago, the Center developed a suitcase-size gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) for on-site identification of ultratrace (microgram or less) quantities of certain compounds in complex mixtures. The system weighed 68 kg (150 lb), which made it portable, but only barely. Three years later, the system's weight had been cut by more than half to 32 kg (70 lb), still a hefty load. Today, at 20 kg (44 lb), with an accompanying laptop computer, this system can realistically be considered portable. This rugged, all-metal vacuum vessel can be carried on board an airplane and put into the overhead compartment, while its accompanying generator and off-line vacuum reconditioning pumping unit travel in the baggage compartment.
Works cited: Science and Technology Review, August 1995
Miniaturizing the GC/MS The Forensic Science Center is also at the forefront in developing new, portable systems capable of real-time analysis in the field. These units have numerous applications, from identifying materials to support verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention to investigating criminal activities. Almost five years ago, the Center developed a suitcase-size gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) for on-site identification of ultratrace (microgram or less) quantities of certain compounds in complex mixtures. The system weighed 68 kg (150 lb), which made it portable, but only barely. Three years later, the system's weight had been cut by more than half to 32 kg (70 lb), still a hefty load. Today, at 20 kg (44 lb), with an accompanying laptop computer, this system can realistically be considered portable. This rugged, all-metal vacuum vessel can be carried on board an airplane and put into the overhead compartment, while its accompanying generator and off-line vacuum reconditioning pumping unit travel in the baggage compartment.
Works cited: Science and Technology Review, August 1995
Saturday, June 6, 2009
History of Fingerprinting
There are records of fingerprints being taken many centuries ago, although they weren't nearly as sophisticated as they are today. The ancient Babylonians pressed the tips of their fingertips into clay to record business transactions. The Chinese used ink-on-paper finger impressions for business and to help identify their children. However, fingerprints weren't used as a method for identifying criminals until the 19th century. In 1858, an Englishman named Sir William Herschel was working as the Chief Magistrate of the Hooghly district in Jungipoor, India. In order to reduce fraud, he had the residents record their fingerprints when signing business documents.A few years later, Scottish doctor Henry Faulds was working in Japan when he discovered fingerprints left by artists on ancient pieces of clay. This finding inspired him to begin investigating fingerprints. In 1880, Faulds wrote to his cousin, the famed naturalist Charles Darwin, and asked for help with developing a fingerprint classification system. Darwin declined, but forwarded the letter to his cousin, Sir Francis Galton. Galton was a eugenicist who collected measurements on people around the world to determine how traits were inherited from one generation to the next. He began collecting fingerprints and eventually gathered some 8,000 different samples to analyze. In 1892, he published a book called "Fingerprints," in which he outlined a fingerprint classification system -- the first in existence. The system was based on patterns of arches, loops and whorls.
Article Cited: Watson, Stephanie. "How Fingerprinting Works". May 26 2008. Hand News, Boston 2008. 06 June 2009. http://www.handresearch.com/news/how-fingerprinting-works.htm
Is Fingerprint Identification a "Science"?
Fingerprint identification has been around for a long time. It has nearly a century of court acceptance in the United States. Yet, in the aftermath of United States Supreme Court cases like Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993) and Kumho Tire v. Carmichael (1999), requiring courts to determine the reliability (validity) of underlying techniques before admitting expert opinion based on it, questions are bound to be raised about the scientific legitimacy of many of the techniques commonly used in crime laboratories, fingerprint identification among them.
Skilled examiners of fingerprint evidence agree that the process of comparing latent fingerprints of unknown origin with inked impressions of known origin is an "art," rather than a science. It requires an examiner to assess, on the basis of experience in dealing with thousands of fingerprints, what parts of an incomplete and partially blurred latent print show visible friction ridge detail that can be used for identification purposes. But whether fingerprint identification is "art" or "science" is clearly no longer relevant to a Daubert inquiry. What needs to be examined is whether the underlying premises upon which fingerprint identification are based have been empirically validated. And these premises are three-fold: (1) the friction ridge detail of the epidermis on the palm side of the hands2 remains unchanged during the lifetime of an individual, except for accidental or intentional scarification or alteration; (2) friction ridge pattern areas exhibit so much variety of detail that no two patterns are ever found to be exactly the same on the digits (or palms or soles of feet) of one individual or on the digits (or palms or soles of feet) of other individuals; (3) while these friction ridge patterns exhibit an infinite variety of detail, they nevertheless fall within certain broad classes or categories that permit police to store and retrieve millions of prints according to classification formulae.
Article: Moenssens, Andre A. "Is Fingerprint Identification a "Science"?". April 5 2006. Forensic-evidence.com. 06 June 2009. <http://www.forensic-evidence.com/site/ID/ID00004_2.html>
Skilled examiners of fingerprint evidence agree that the process of comparing latent fingerprints of unknown origin with inked impressions of known origin is an "art," rather than a science. It requires an examiner to assess, on the basis of experience in dealing with thousands of fingerprints, what parts of an incomplete and partially blurred latent print show visible friction ridge detail that can be used for identification purposes. But whether fingerprint identification is "art" or "science" is clearly no longer relevant to a Daubert inquiry. What needs to be examined is whether the underlying premises upon which fingerprint identification are based have been empirically validated. And these premises are three-fold: (1) the friction ridge detail of the epidermis on the palm side of the hands2 remains unchanged during the lifetime of an individual, except for accidental or intentional scarification or alteration; (2) friction ridge pattern areas exhibit so much variety of detail that no two patterns are ever found to be exactly the same on the digits (or palms or soles of feet) of one individual or on the digits (or palms or soles of feet) of other individuals; (3) while these friction ridge patterns exhibit an infinite variety of detail, they nevertheless fall within certain broad classes or categories that permit police to store and retrieve millions of prints according to classification formulae.
Article: Moenssens, Andre A. "Is Fingerprint Identification a "Science"?". April 5 2006. Forensic-evidence.com. 06 June 2009. <http://www.forensic-evidence.com/site/ID/ID00004_2.html>
Friday, June 5, 2009
Forensic Art Video
Video by UF News and Public Affairs, from the University Archives in the UF Libraries.
This video is showing a forensic artist in 1984 who does reconstructions of the faces of those who have died using their skeletons. She is an advisor to the TV show Quincy and also was an advisor for the movie Gorky Park. Recently she worked with a team who solved the problem of identifying the real remains of Pizarro. This video contributes to history and identifies a famous historic figure that we all know who went missing. The video shows the details performed of forensic art with one of the best known forensic artists.
This video is showing a forensic artist in 1984 who does reconstructions of the faces of those who have died using their skeletons. She is an advisor to the TV show Quincy and also was an advisor for the movie Gorky Park. Recently she worked with a team who solved the problem of identifying the real remains of Pizarro. This video contributes to history and identifies a famous historic figure that we all know who went missing. The video shows the details performed of forensic art with one of the best known forensic artists.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Computer Forensics
Not only has technology changed the science of forensics but it has also created a new forensics field, computer forensics. Michael Anderson is considered to be the father of computer forensics. He helped to develop the first computer forensic training classes for law enforcement officials. He also trained many college professors in the field and in turn helped create some of the first college level computer forensics classes.
"NTI - Michael R. Anderson." NTI - Home Page. 02 June 2009 http://www.forensics-intl.com/mra.html.
- Modern Marvels Video: Police Gear-Evidence Tech: Fingerprinting
- This video from the History Channel explains some early methods of obtaining evidence and the history of fingerprinting. It shows how problems with fingerprinting were solved with technology and Dna. http://www.history.com/video.do?name=modernmarvels&bcpid=1766638695&bclid=1803311455&bctid=1604855423
Start of Forensic Art
"Forensic art is a law enforcement artistic technique used in the identification, apprehension, or conviction of wanted persons. Forensic art encompasses several disciplines including composite art, image modification, age progression, post-mortem reconstruction and demonstrative evidence. However, composite art is traditionally the most commonly known discipline of forensic art" (Mancusi). The art of composite drawing has been used by police forces throughout time.
"Composite Art is an unusual marriage of two unlikely disciplines, police investigative work and art. The cop-artist, almost an oxymoron, possesses both skills. The artist can create a quality facial drawing with assured confidence. Though drawing skills are important parts of composite art, the real challenge is in the ability to interview and relate to a victim or witness. The purpose is to successfully gather, interpret and illustrate the information obtained from the victim's memory" (Mancusi).
In the past twenty years, composite art has evolved into forensic art. Forensic art possesses knowledge of victim psychology, post-mortem reconstruction and human aging.
works cited: Mancusi, Stephen. "Forensic Art." 2000. Forartist.com 02 June 2009
Here is a picture of a composite sketch. The composite sketch is completed in three stages; proportions, characteristics, and rendering.
"Composite Art is an unusual marriage of two unlikely disciplines, police investigative work and art. The cop-artist, almost an oxymoron, possesses both skills. The artist can create a quality facial drawing with assured confidence. Though drawing skills are important parts of composite art, the real challenge is in the ability to interview and relate to a victim or witness. The purpose is to successfully gather, interpret and illustrate the information obtained from the victim's memory" (Mancusi).
In the past twenty years, composite art has evolved into forensic art. Forensic art possesses knowledge of victim psychology, post-mortem reconstruction and human aging.
works cited: Mancusi, Stephen. "Forensic Art." 2000. Forartist.com
Here is a picture of a composite sketch. The composite sketch is completed in three stages; proportions, characteristics, and rendering.
First DNA fingerprint
Dr. Alec Jeffreys is holding a copy of the first DNA fingerprint profile. In 1985, Jeffrey introduced the idea of the DNA fingerprint while studying the myoglobin gene. He revealed that nucleotides were repeated several times in a specific order. His study also showed that these nucleotides varied from an individual to individual and could be identified using restriction enzymes and the technique was known as Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Within six months of Jeffreys discovery, genetic fingerprinting was used in a case to prove a Ghanaian boy was his parents' son.
more infromation on this article go to: http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/20031115/technology01.shtml
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