Author Profile

Using Plants’ Spectral Signal to Detect Human Remains
September 11, 2020
Imagine: researchers deploy a drone that has been configured to scan plants for specific fluorescence or reflectance signals that indicate human remains. In less than an hour, the wide-searching drone has detected an uncommon signal, pointing the forensic team right to the cadaver. read more
Smithosonian's David Hunt Honored for Help Finding Missing Children
September 11, 2020
David Hunt voluntarily shares his skills, experience and enthusiasm for teaching with the dedicated team at National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). read more
Latent Fingerprint Specialist Breaks Open 20-Year-Old Sexual Assault Case
September 11, 2020
DNA, fingerprints, a silver gun and a bizarre Facebook tirade led them to a man suspected of sexually attacking a woman nearly 20 years ago, Tampa police said. read more
FBI Approves Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Rapid DNA Solution for National DNA Index System
September 11, 2020
The U.S. FBI has approved Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System for use by accredited forensic DNA laboratories to process DNA reference samples and search resulting profiles against the U.S. National DNA Index System (NDIS) CODIS database without manual interpretation and review. read more
Bringing 911 to the Next Generation
September 09, 2020
In the last two decades, mobile communications has expanded to include text, video, and a myriad of other applications. It makes sense that emergency communications systems such as Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) would expand to adopt the same technologies. read more
Forensic Genomics Journal Accepting First Submissions, Editor Says the ‘Time is Right’
September 09, 2020
Forensic Genomics, a new peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., is now open for submissions, welcoming research and knowledge from multiple disciplines, professions, methodologies and paradigms. read more
Hot Desert, Cold Cases Series Investigates Murder of Couple
September 09, 2020
"This is a case that haunts me," Lieutenant Lois Weiss said. "It still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up." read more
The Oldest Neanderthal DNA of Central-eastern Europe
September 09, 2020
Neanderthal remains associated with the Micoquian cultural tradition are very few and genetic information has only been extracted from samples of Germany, Northern Caucasus and Altai. read more
Sexual Assault Kit Task Force in Cleveand Eclipses 800 Defendants Indicted
September 09, 2020
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Sexual Assault Kit Task Force has eclipsed 800 defendants indicted, the highest number of any SAKTF in the country, since its commencement in 2013. read more
NYC’s New Sex Crimes Chief is a Forensic Nurse
September 07, 2020
The new head of New York City’s sex crimes unit is not only a veteran police investigator, but also a forensic nurse who has conducted the physical exams and evidence collection vital to solving such cases. read more
Microsoft’s 'Defending Democracy Program' Takes New Steps to Combat Deepfakes
September 07, 2020
Microsoft has announced two new technologies to combat disinformation, new work to help educate the public about the problem, and partnerships to help advance these technologies and educational efforts quickly. read more
Florida International University Launches Digital Forensics Professional Program
September 07, 2020
FIU recently sat down with Matt Ruddell to learn more about digital forensics, the university's new Digital Forensics Professional Program and his role at FIU. read more
Skull Found in June Linked to Partial Remains Found in February
September 07, 2020
Dental records have helped confirm the identification of a skull found in June, and linked it to partial remains found in February that were identified through DNA as Garrett Wilson. read more
Cybercrime Against Older People During COVID-19
September 07, 2020
Vulnerability factors for cybercrime—loneliness, anxiety, stress—are increased. At the same time, increasing numbers of opportunist criminals are targeting vulnerable individuals online. read more
Report Details Recommendations for Facial Recognition Framework
September 04, 2020
Characterizing the technology as misunderstood and complex, MITRE says the government should stop short of a moratorium on facial recognition, rather issuing a resolution that deters near-term misuse and signals long-term regulations and oversight. read more
Domestic Abuse During COVID-19 Lockdown
September 04, 2020
Enforced isolation through the COVID-19 lockdown provides an ideal context for perpetrators, and will pose special difficulties for those in relationships where abuse behaviors exist. read more
Innocence Project: Inadmissability of Bite Mark 'Science' Sees Eddie Lee Howard’s Murder Conviction Vacated
September 04, 2020
With a new decision from the Mississippi Supreme Court vacating his conviction and death sentence, Eddie Lee Howard, Jr. becomes the 34th individual wrongfully accused and convicted based on the pseudo-science of bite mark comparison. read more
Minnesota PD, Othram Look to ID Skull Dating Pre-1967
September 04, 2020
Investigators are turning to advanced DNA testing in the hopes of uncovering the mystery behind a skull found in the basement of a Spring Grove, Minnesota home. read more
400-year-old Chamois Could Offer Clues to Preserving Degraded DNA
September 04, 2020
Researchers who discovered a 400-year-old chamois preserved in ice will study the remains to improve the conservation techniques of mummies around the world. read more
Anchorage to Consolidate Crime Lab and Police Department Services
September 02, 2020
The Department of Public Safety’s Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory and the Anchorage Police Department signed a lease to consolidate crime lab services. read more