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Closed System DNA Purification for Degraded, Compromised Evidence in Microfluidic Devices
May 20, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsThe aims of this grant were to develop a volume reduction solid phase extraction (vrSPE) microchip capable of accommodating large volumes. The device was then to be applied to degraded and compromised samples as well as the purification of mitochondrial DNA.
Regional Crime Lab Taking Shape
May 20, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsAs top law enforcement officials and state lawmakers in North Carolina mull over ways to bring a crime lab to the southeast, a de facto one of sorts has already begun taking shape in Wilmington.
Forensics Utilized in Animal Abuse Crackdown
May 20, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsAdam Leath deals with the ugliness of animal abuse daily, operating out of a closet-sized office as the Gainesville-based southeast regional director of investigations and response for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) since late 2011.
Split-second Choice Ended with NY Student Dead
May 20, 2013 10:09 am | CommentsThe college student was being held in a headlock by a masked intruder with a loaded gun to her head, police said. Then the gunman took aim at an officer. A moment later both Hofstra University junior Andrea Rebello and the intruder were dead — killed after a split-second decision that is perhaps the most harrowing in law enforcement: when to pull the trigger.
Forensics Mastermind Who Identifies Victims around the World
May 20, 2013 9:38 am | CommentsForensics mastermind David Whittaker has lifted the lid on a life spent investigating murder, assault and natural disaster.
Role of Forensics in Justice System being Studied
May 20, 2013 9:27 am | CommentsA University of Canterbury researcher is investigating forensics and its developing role in the justice system. Historian Dr. Heather Wolffram is investigating the psychology of juries and what problems the psychological impact of expert forensic evidence on juries means for the integrity of the New Zealand justice system.
When Bad 'Fire Science' Burns Innocent Defendants
May 20, 2013 9:04 am | CommentsIn the U.S., fire-safety science dates back only to about 1970. Prior to that time, fire technology existed, but not what would today be understood as fire science.
Big Difference in New Orleans Crime Lab Since Katrina
May 20, 2013 8:46 am | CommentsGunfire is commonplace at the New Orleans Police Crime Lab. Sometimes an automatic weapon, sometimes an old pistol, is test fired to recover the bullets for analysis. The prime focus is on firearms because of the violent crimes in this city.
Evaluating the Use of DNA and RNA Degradation for Estimating the Post-mortem Interval
May 19, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsEstimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) is difficult due to the many factors that influence the decomposition process. Tissues such as nails, teeth and bones are more resilient to environmental factors.
NY Man Pleads Not Guilty in '94 Vermont Death of Wife
May 17, 2013 9:12 am | CommentsA suburban New York man released from a life sentence after DNA tests casts doubt on his original conviction for killing his wife in Vermont pleaded not guilty to a new aggravated murder charge in the same case.
Loss of RCMP Firearm Labs Could Hurt Police
May 17, 2013 8:49 am | CommentsCritics fear that police could lose timely access to a key technology used to investigate shootings as the RCMP shutters several regional forensic laboratories.
With No Unified Database, Many Murder Victims Remain Nameless
May 16, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsA serial killer who committed suicide in an Alaska jail last year confessed to murdering at least 11 people across the country. But Israel Keyes didn't name names, and investigators trying to figure out who he killed are running into a major stumbling block: There is no unified, mandatory national database for missing persons.
Iowa Governor Signs Expanded DNA Sampling Measure
May 16, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsPeople convicted of certain aggravated misdemeanors in Iowa now will be required to submit DNA samples. Gov. Terry Branstad signed into law a measure that expands the collection of DNA samples beyond felony convictions and sex offenses.
DNA Links Woman to Slaying of Aspiring Model
May 16, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsThe killing of an aspiring 21-year-old model and actress found strangled in her Santa Monica apartment was connected to a business negotiation that her father ended with a Marina del Rey doctor just days before her death. Detectives found DNA and fingerprint evidence at her apartment that matched an associate of the physician.
Overview on Trace Evidence for Legal Professionals
May 16, 2013 8:00 pm | CommentsThis webinar will provide an overview of the various forms of trace evidence most commonly encountered in forensic casework, such as hair and fibers, gunshot residue, glass, paint and fire debris.
