Forensic science

(Source: Forensic Science International)

Source: http://news.health.ufl.edu/2010/11536/top-feature/uf-pharmacy-professor-recognized-as-an-outstanding-leader-in-distance-learning/
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As the University of Florida Forensic Science master’s program reaches its 10th year, its director is being recognized for his leadership in advancing distance learning through online technology in higher education.
Ian Tebbett, Ph.D., a UF professor of toxicology in the UF College of Pharmacy, today is receiving [...]

The 47th conference of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) had a resounding success in Geneva from 23–27 August 2009. The venue was the International Conference Center located near the UNO building and a short distance away from the lake. TIAFT had already met twice in Switzerland (Zürich and Luzern) before and it was a challenge for the organisors that combined the University of Geneva, the University of Lausanne as well as the Competence Center in Chemistry and Analytical Toxicology (CCCTA – in French) to meet up to past expectations. The organisors prepared both an exciting and demanding scientific programme and workshops for over 500 participants as well as a varied and successful social program. Twenty-four exhibitors sponsored the meeting and presente...

(Source: Forensic Science International)

Abstract: In order to determine whether a series of unsolved crimes has been committed by the same offender, the police often must rely on an analysis of behavioural evidence. When carrying out this task, some type of similarity coefficient is typically relied on to assess the degree of behavioural stability and distinctiveness that exists across a set of crimes and questions inevitably arise as to which coefficient to use. In cases of juvenile sex offences, research has suggested that a taxonomic similarity index outperforms the most commonly used metric at the moment, Jaccard's coefficient, especially under conditions of data degradation (missing data). However, recent research has failed to replicate this result in cases of serial homicide and burglary, especially when relatively large ...

Abstract: Red seal inks from Korea (6), Japan (1) and China (6) were studied to investigate the feasibility of micro-attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy as a tool in the forensic study of questioned documents involving seal inks. The technique was able to differentiate red seal inks of similar colors and different manufacturers. Blind testing has shown that micro-ATR FTIR can identify the origin of the red seal inks with accuracy. Data gathered were converted to a database for future reference. Also, the technique was also successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersection from a personal seal and a ballpoint pen. The results show that micro-ATR FTIR can be a valuable non-destructive tool for the objective analysis of questioned documents involving d...

This study demonstrates the variation in latent fingerprint composition between individuals and the impact of the sampling protocol on the quantitative analysis of fingerprints. (Source: Forensic Science International)

A search was triggered by a tip the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office received last week. A truck from the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory at the University of Florida drove through the checkpoint. As you might know, the Pound Lab provides forensic anthropology services for medical examiners and coroners. The laboratory also provides anthropological, legal and [...]

Abstract: The identification process of human skeletal remains exhumed from a mass grave from the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) is presented. Information regarding the presumptive location of the grave and the presumptive number and identities of the persons buried in the grave was collected from interviews and written records from relatives and witnesses, as well as from research at the penitentiary archive. Antemortem individual data were collected from testimonies, and from research from penitentiary, army and civil archives. The consistency between data obtained from testimonies, archives, archeology and osteology allowed a targeted approach to DNA typing based on the assumption of the finding of a closed synchronic group. Two were the first genetic studies requested: the first study...