By Joseph Cabaniss

Zhou works with the mass spectrometer in her lab. She helped develop the method to use this machine to better analyze any dye samples. This technique will help in many concentrations, including criminology and forensics. Courtesy of John Hunting

Researchers from N.C. State Univ. have created a new chemical process that will help forensic analysts identify and match the dyes used on small fiber samples.

Using this process, investigators can conclusively prove, with relative ease, if two fi bers share particular dyes or impurities. In a criminal court, fibers will be able to be matched and used as trace evidence.

Trace evidence is anything involved in a crime that can be transferred between the people, the objects or the environment, such as hair or dirt. For example, if the victim and suspect are both found with similar fibers on their bodies, investigators will be able to tell if the fibers are from the same source.

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Source: Technician Online