Research Shows Genes Influence Criminal Behavior
February 01, 2012
Your genes could be a strong predictor of whether you stray into a life of crime, according to a research paper co-written by UT Dallas criminologist Dr. J.C. Barnes.
Forensic Pathologists Translate Tragedies Into Answers
January 31, 2012
Forensic pathology is a necessary part of our legal system, but how many of us associate forensic pathology with family and public health?
Drug Diversion Investigators Support Crack Down on Meth Production
January 30, 2012
The NADDI strongly encourage Ohio lawmakers to support legislation that would implement real-time, stop-sale technology to block unlawful sales of medicines containing pseudoephedrine to meth criminals.
Film Saved Life of West Memphis 3 Suspect
January 27, 2012
Former Death Row inmate, Damien Echols, would be dead now if not for a 1996 documentary, "West of Memphis," that cast doubt on the man's guilt in three child murders.
Holocaust Graves at Treblinka Revealed
January 25, 2012
Using a range of geophysical surveying tools, forensic archaeologist Caroline Sturdy Colls has laid to rest doubts about the existence of mass graves at the Treblinka death camp in Poland.
Traditional Physical Autopsies Still Gold Standard
January 24, 2012
The latest virtual imaging technologies—including full-body CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, and angiography—are helpful but cannot yet replace a direct physical inspection in determining cause of death.
Serial Killer Identified from Chance DNA Evidence
January 24, 2012
A serial killer identified after giving a DNA sample in connection with a drunk-driving conviction more than a decade after his murder spree was sentenced to 75 years to life in prison.
DNA Evidence in Getaway Car
January 23, 2012
The failed attempt to burn the getaway car after the murder of two soldiers outside the Massereene army barracks in Ireland left the forensics team with valuable clues.
AB SCIEX and Indigo Team Up to Accelerate Adoption of Next-generation Mass Spectrometry
January 23, 2012
AB SCIEX and Indigo BioSystems announced an agreement to jointly market mass spectrometry solutions that streamline data acquisition and automate data review to ensure high quality results in clinical research and forensic toxicology.
Navy Medical Examiner Pieces Together Hidden Truths
January 23, 2012
The mission of the Armed Forces Medical Examiners System is to provide comprehensive services in forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, DNA technology and identification, and mortality surveillance for the Department of Defense.
Forensic Apps for First Responders
January 20, 2012
Law Enforcement Training and Resource Group LLC has come out with a new suite of smart phone applications built around the needs of the first responder’s response to services calls.
Milwaukee Releases Photos of Deceased for ID
January 18, 2012
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office has begun releasing photos of the deceased in unidentified persons cases that have gone cold.
Cutting-Edge Lab Coming to Harris County
January 17, 2012
Harris County, Texas, will begin building a cutting-edge forensics tower in two years, allowing its scientists to conduct autopsies and test evidence in a growing number of cases.
Detecting Arsenic in Apple Juice
January 16, 2012
Thermo Fisher Scientific has developed a proven IC-ICP-MS method for detecting trace elements, including levels of arsenic in apple juice. A Consumer Reports investigation recently revealed elevated levels of arsenic in juice samples.
Nigeria's First Forensic DNA Laboratory
January 16, 2012
A team of scientists will travel to Nigeria this month to oversee the installation of genetic testing equipment at the new DNA laboratory in Lagos.
Fingerprints from Demand Note ID Bank Robber
January 11, 2012
Fingerprints on a demand note helped Pinellas County, Florida, detectives track down the suspect responsible for Largo and Seminole bank robberies.
Boston Transit Police Testing Spitter DNA
January 10, 2012
In an effort to crack down on riders who spit on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus and subway drivers, the T says it's going to start collecting DNA evidence of the assaults.
New York Governor Pushes for Universal DNA Sampling
January 10, 2012
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has called for a vast expansion of the state’s DNA database to include samples from persons convicted of all crimes, including misdemeanors.
Crime Lab Improvements, One Chemist at a Time
January 09, 2012
While the Florence County Sheriff’s Office seeks funding for a new crime lab, they alleviate the backlog with a new chemist and analysis equipment.
Definition of Rape Revised
January 06, 2012
Attorney General Eric Holder announced revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s (UCR) definition of rape, which will lead to a more comprehensive statistical reporting of rape nationwide.
Profile: Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Looks for Answers
January 04, 2012
Dr. Leah Bush, Virginia's chief medical examiner for the past four years, doesn't take "undetermined" for an answer. Particularly in the question of "cause of death".
Vermont DNA Law Spurs Controversy
January 03, 2012
Vermont laws requiring a DNA sample from all adults charged with a felony offense after arraignment has led to a run of cases challenging its legality.
Book Provides Answers to Toxicology Questions
January 03, 2012
A new book, Referenced Review Questions in Toxicology, Second Edition, provides questions and answers on a wide variety of toxicology topics.
Alabama Cuts Forensic Sciences Department
January 02, 2012
The Alabama Forensic Sciences Department is again facing deep budget cuts due to the funding crisis in the state's general fund.
New Houston Crime Lab to be Independent of Police Department
January 02, 2012
After years of scandal, the police department will no longer run Houston’s crime lab, Mayor Annise Parker announced last week.
