Author Profile

Experts Urge FDA to Rescind Approval of DNA-based Opioid Addiction Test
April 10, 2024
A group of scientists and experts are calling on the FDA to rescind their approval of a controversial DNA test that claims to predict genetic risk of opioid addiction. read more
Remains Found in 2021 Identified as Suspected Smuggling Victim
April 10, 2024
It is suspected de Vargas was in the process of being smuggled from San Salvador to Houston when she died. read more
Experiment Explores the Impact of Gunshots on Legs, Arms
April 10, 2024
The problem: Much of the existing literature on gunshots and fracture patterns primarily focuses on injuries to the skull, rather than the body’s long bones, such as the legs and arms. read more
Genealogy Identifies Skeletal Remains Found at Home in 2022
April 10, 2024
The discovery was made when a homeowner's dog brought a human skull to their residence located just northeast of Oxford, Mississippi. read more
Indiana State Police are Hiring a Forensic Genealogist
April 10, 2024
The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for a Forensic Genealogist to serve in the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division at the Indianapolis Regional Laboratory. read more
Can DNA Be Collected from AC Units at Crime Scenes?
April 08, 2024
Researchers are using a new technique to potentially pick up and record airborne forensic DNA evidence from crime scenes wiped clean of fingerprints and other trace evidence. read more
Team Identifies Skeletal Remains Recovered in 2014
April 08, 2024
Investigators believe that the man’s remains were in a remote area near Virgin, Utah for one to two years prior to their discovery. read more
Native Student Works to Create Missing Persons DNA Database
April 08, 2024
A Ph.D. student in forensic and molecular anthropology, who is also a Blackfeet descendant, is working to create the first DNA database of Blackfeet Nation members. read more
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Veterinary Forensics
April 08, 2024
Working on cases of horrifying violence and neglect can take a huge emotional toll, but Southard finds strength in the fact that her work can prevent future suffering. read more
Biologists Create Vaccine for 'Zombie Drug' Xylazine
April 05, 2024
One of the three vaccines significantly increased movement in mice given xylazine after 10 minutes, while two of the three vaccines led to an improvement in breathing. read more
Genealogy IDs 17-Year-Old Homicide Victim Found in 1979
April 05, 2024
After 44 years, a murdered teen, whose remains were found in a Rancho Cucamonga, California vineyard, has been identified as 17-year-old Karen Marie Heverly. read more
Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence Exonerates Texas Man Imprisoned for 25 Years
April 05, 2024
Biological deposits found on the cuffs of the jersey sleeves revealed DNA profiles of two unknown individuals. The results excluded Santillan as a contributor. read more
mtDNA Identifies 19-Year-Old Sailor Killed During WWII
April 05, 2024
To identify Walker’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological and dental analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis. read more
Presenting Digital Evidence that Holds up in Court
April 03, 2024
When juries hear a case, it’s imperative they can easily grasp a simple explanation of the chain of events. read more
32 Years Later, Familial DNA IDs Man who Went over Niagara Falls
April 03, 2024
Stack went missing in the Niagara Falls State Park, on or around December 4th, 1990, and was believed to have gone over the falls. read more
DNA Database Match Solves 1987 Cold Case
April 03, 2024
In October 2019, the submitted DNA mixture profile produced no matches in the Virginia DNA Data Bank, prompting periodic searches against both the Virginia and National DNA Data Banks. read more
Students Provide Critical Clues to 15-Year-Old's Identity
April 03, 2024
SEMO's osteological and dental analysis revealed that Lincoln County Jane Doe was likely in her teens when she died, rather than being 30-40 years old as suggested in her case file and autopsy report from 1978. read more
Study: Reducing Late-night Alcohol Sales Curbed Violent Crimes by 23%
April 03, 2024
A new study found that reducing alcohol hours of sale for bars and taverns in a Baltimore neighborhood also reduced homicides by 51 percent within the first month and by 40 percent annually. read more
Australia’s Wastewater Shows 75% Increase in Pentylone Use
April 01, 2024
Wastewater monitoring has revealed a 75% increase in detections of the synthetic stimulant pentylone across Australia, according to researchers at the University of South Australia. read more
2002 John Doe Identified, Died of Natural Causes
April 01, 2024
The individual was found deceased near a railroad overcrossing. Investigators determined that the remains were that of a white male, who was estimated to between fifty and seventy years old at his time of death. read more