Researchers at Sam Houston State University are investigating new methods to preserve tissue samples and speed up the DNA identification process after mass disasters. The goal is to improve DNA preservation and processing, enabling faster victim identification and closure for families.
DNA identification technology is essential for humanitarian efforts, yet unequal access restricts its use. International structures are necessary to promote fair and efficient access, prevent misuse, and ensure victim rights.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered a previously unrecognized type of pathology in Alzheimer's brains that sequesters proteins involved in RNA splicing. This finding could lead to new biomarkers, diagnostic approaches, and therapies by explaining how genes contribute their effects in the disease.
A study found that forensic psychologists and psychiatrists who believed they were working for the prosecution assigned higher risk scores to sexually violent offenders than those who thought they were working for the defense. The researchers hope this finding will prompt experts to re-examine their training and practice methods.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a PHS gene in wheat that prevents preharvest sprouting, a major cause of crop loss. The discovery provides a potential solution for the $1 billion annual industry losses associated with white wheat production.
A study found that decreased Aß42 and increased phosphorylated tau181 levels in spinal fluid are linked to reduced default mode network integrity. This association suggests that these biomarkers could be used to detect Alzheimer's disease pathology before symptoms appear.
Research finds that DNA-based familial search techniques can mistakenly identify second cousins and half-siblings as siblings, with a 3-18% chance of error for first cousins and up to 42% for half-siblings. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary investigations and exacerbate ethical concerns surrounding the use of these methods.
The UNC-Malawi cancer pathology laboratory has provided invaluable service to patients and built capacity at a national teaching hospital. The lab, which assessed over 3,600 specimens, is now helping to relieve diagnostic delays and provide essential diagnostic services to Malawians suffering from cancer.
Researchers found that a specific pattern in tumor pathology is strongly associated with cancer recurrence. Patients with this pattern are more likely to benefit from lobectomy and have a 75% lower risk of recurrence. The study may lead to new technology to precisely identify tumors with this pattern before surgery.
Scientists analyzed 500-year-old Inca mummies to uncover the truth behind the 'capacocha' ritual, revealing that children consumed coca and alcohol before sacrifice. The findings provide new insights into the ancient practice, which was used to sedate children before their death.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a new software method to detect faked photos by analyzing inconsistent shadows, debunking claims that the Apollo 11 lunar landing photo is fake. The new forensic technique provides a more objective task for analysts, shifting the focus from visual plausibility to geometric constraints.
Researchers found that women with atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) can avoid surgery if radiologist and pathologist findings are concordant. Yearly mammograms, MRI, or ultrasound as second-line screening tools may suffice.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that a sudden decrease in testosterone levels may cause Parkinson's-like symptoms in male mice. Testosterone supplementation reversed the pathology in the mice. The study suggests that preserving testosterone levels may be important to prevent Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have identified nine fungal lineages associated with ambrosia beetles threatening avocado production in the US and Israel. The unique fungi adaptability poses a threat to global farms and forests.
A recent study led by Loyola University Medical Center physician Matthew Kircher identified a simple way to reduce healthcare costs without compromising care. The researchers found that in 178 cases, there was virtually perfect agreement between otologists' findings and official diagnoses from the pathology lab, suggesting that these e...
The new NIST handbook provides a comprehensive guide for planning, designing, constructing, and relocating forensic science laboratories. The document outlines the four-phase cycle for creating new laboratory space and includes tools to support each phase.
Scientists have used live insect colonies to determine the conditions under which insects formed fossil traces on ancient bones. The study, led by Anna R. Holden, reveals that submergence occurred during warm to hot weather, with a minimum of 17-20 weeks.
A team of Penn State researchers developed a process using three inexpensive computer programs to grade fingerprints for ridge detail evaluation. The system ensures standardized evaluation finer than human capabilities, improving the reliability of fingerprint matches.
A new invasive fly species, Chrysomya megacephala, has been discovered in Indiana, threatening forensic investigations and local ecosystems. The species, native to Asia and Africa, is breeding in the state's warmer climate, raising concerns about its impact on native fly species.
A new method for dating elephant tusks using radiocarbon levels could help enforce the ivory ban and save African elephants from extinction. The technique, developed by Columbia University researchers, can be applied to other endangered wildlife and is affordable for government agencies.
Researchers developed a staging system to track ALS disease progression, mapping out four distinct stages and identifying transmission patterns. The study's findings suggest a similar transmission process in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and may lead to new treatments like immunotherapies.
A study by McGill University researchers found that blocking the activity of a specific receptor can reverse memory pathology and improve cerebrovascular function in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease. The treatment also reduced toxic amyloid-beta peptide levels, which contribute to neuronal and vascular dysfunction.
Researchers discovered that the p63 protein acts as a genetic modifier for EEC Syndrome, with TAp63 determining its manifestation. The study reveals that levels of TAp63 determine whether children inherit the syndrome, providing new insights into this rare condition.
Research suggests that early exposure to bisphenol A can damage the enamel of teeth in children, similar to a previously identified pathology known as MIH. The study found that low doses of BPA can cause mineral depletion and lead to hypomineralisation, making teeth more fragile and prone to cavities.
A new approach using brain-training computer games is being explored to improve memory and thinking in forensic psychiatry patients, who are considered among the most severely mentally ill. The games may be used with psychotherapy, medication, and other approaches to help these patients restore their competency.
Scientists at USC have found a class of drugs, TSPO ligands, that can reduce measures of pathology and improve behavior in both young adult and aged mice with Alzheimer's Disease. The treatment showed promising results, including a significant decrease in symptoms and improvements in memory.
Researchers have discovered that innate lymphoid cells and T cells follow a similar development pathway, involving the Notch protein pathway. This finding has implications for understanding inflammatory diseases and could lead to new treatments.
A UK study found that the £10 million Family Nurse Partnership program can only tackle around 10% of families involved in child maltreatment. Researchers suggest using different risk factors to identify vulnerable children could reach three times more abusive families.
Researchers develop new techniques to detect mass graves using geophysical methods. Their project aims to refine detection methods and provide critical evidence for convicting murderers. By studying simulated clandestine graves, they hope to improve the search for missing people and bring perpetrators to justice.
Classic psychological research on expectancy and observer effects reveals flaws in forensic science, including the influence of human examiners and flawed evidence. The study proposes best practice recommendations to reduce confirmation biases and improve the quality of the judicial system.
Giant axonal neuropathy is caused by mutations in the gigaxonin gene, leading to accumulation of neurofilament proteins. The study shows that gigaxonin regulates neurofilament protein degradation, shedding light on the molecular pathology of GAN.
A new study found that average-risk screening adenoma detection rates are significantly higher than current guidelines suggest, with women having a 25.4% risk and men having a 41.2% risk. Overall advanced-pathology adenoma detection was also higher in men, highlighting the need for vigilance in identifying patients with adenomas to pre...
A new tau transmission model opens doors for potential treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by inducing animal models to mimic the spread of tau pathology. The research demonstrates cell-to-cell transmission of neurodegenerative proteins, offering therapeutic opportunities.
A recent study has identified 10 statistically significant factors that distinguish wrongful convictions from 'near misses' in the US. These factors include state death penalty culture/state punitiveness, prosecution withheld evidence, and forensic evidence errors.
Mari Uchimoto's award-winning presentation at ANZFSS International Symposium showcased a new method to identify body fluids using microRNA analysis, potentially aiding rape cases. This technique can distinguish between different bodily fluids, providing vital evidence for prosecutions or defenses.
The Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging aims to provide a cutting-edge communication platform for professionals developing and utilizing imaging techniques in forensic analysis. Research published in the journal covers topics such as imaging technologies, education, and best practices in forensic radiology and imaging.
A team at Vienna University of Veterinary Medicine found the same strain of Usutu virus in dead blackbirds in Italy in 1996 as in Austria's cases. This suggests the virus was present in Italy before reaching Europe, and forensic pathology can help unravel origins of emerging diseases.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine developed a new animal model that replicates the transmission of tau pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study demonstrates that synthetic tau fibrils can induce authentic neurofibrillary tangles and initiate disease progression in mice.
A new study uses DNA analysis to reconstruct hair and eye color from ancient human remains, confirming the blue eyes and blond hair of a Polish general. The HIrisPlex system was also able to identify details from medieval samples, including a mysterious woman buried in a 12th-14th century crypt.
Forensic experts at Uppsala University identified the remains of Carin Göring, wife of Nazi leader Herman Göring, through DNA analysis. The researchers matched mitochondrial and nuclear DNA with historical records, confirming her identity.
A five-year NIH grant supports a program to develop resident genomic pathology curriculum, expanding pathologists' role in interpreting and acting on genomics data. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between genetic research and practical application in patient care.
The Journal of Forensic Nursing, published by Wolters Kluwer Health, will continue its quarterly publication schedule and introduce a new iPad app edition. The journal presents original research, reviews, and editorials addressing healthcare, legal, and ethical issues in forensic nursing.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are creating a laboratory test to detect key components of bath salts in biological samples. The new test will target eight common synthetic cathinones found in the substance, which poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and forensic toxicology labs.
The Association for Molecular Pathology report on next-generation sequencing technology addresses current technical, bioinformatic, and clinical implementation considerations. The report aims to improve patient care by exploring the clinical relevance and impact of NGS technologies.
A multidisciplinary approach combining radiocarbon analysis, anthropological analysis, and forensic DNA techniques has been used to identify the remains of a missing child 41 years after discovery. The method was successful in pinpointing birth dates and death dates for the child, providing a breakthrough in solving cold cases.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that surgery itself has a profound impact on brain pathology and cognition in mice with human Alzheimer disease genes. Surgery causes a lasting increase in Alzheimer's pathology and significant cognitive impairment, primarily through inflammation.
A study has identified five genes responsible for human facial morphology, with three previously implicated in vertebrate craniofacial development and disease. The remaining two genes are new players in the molecular networks governing facial development.
The Innocence Project has helped free nearly 300 wrongfully convicted prisoners due to improper use of forensic science. Improved sensitivity in DNA testing has highlighted issues of cross-contamination, affecting accuracy.
Cardiac injury leads to rapid morphological changes, including enlargement and fibrous growth tissue formation. Advanced stages of remodeling have begun by day seven following injury. This research provides insights into the coordinated events of cardiac pathology and possible intervention targets.
The ACS symposium highlights the critical role of forensic chemistry in protecting the innocent, featuring exonerated individuals and experts who used DNA testing to prove their innocence. The event also emphasizes the need for reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
Researchers found that high baseline levels of neuronal activity in key brain regions may contribute to Alzheimer's development. The study suggests that brain dynamics could play a causal role in the disease.
The Semi-Autonomous Pipe Bomb End-cap Remover (SAPBER) is a low-cost device that can disassemble pipe bombs while preserving forensic evidence. It has been tested in operational scenarios and shown to be effective and easy to use, marking a new era in capability for dealing with pipe bombs.
A CSHL-led team has developed a new method to model human genetic diseases caused by errors in RNA splicing. The approach, called TSUNAMI, uses targeted 'negative ASOs' to cause missplicing and pathogenesis, offering a unique window into disease progression.
A new genetic analysis maps the Jewish Diasporas, focusing on North African Jews. The study supports historical records of Middle Eastern Jews settling in North Africa and forming distinct populations.
A new study found that over half of malignant prostate cancers have both high-risk HPV 18 and EBV, with HPV alone present in 70% of the cancers. The research suggests a potential collaboration between the two viruses to promote cancer cell survival.
Researchers develop method for separating liquids using individual carbon nanotubes, which act as separation channels for chemically distinct molecules. This technology could prove useful in forensic studies and analyzing molecules from single cells, enabling analysis of trace evidence and invisible stains.
Four Concordia PhD candidates have secured Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships to conduct groundbreaking research in various fields. Brigitte Desharnais will investigate metabolizing enzymes in the liver to determine drug-related deaths, while Matthew Keough will study stress and alcohol use in young adults.
Researchers have found a key molecule, REG3A, highly expressed in skin cells during psoriasis and wound repair, causing abnormal cell proliferation. Blocking REG3A delays wound healing and clears up psoriasis-like pathology in mice, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee found that US skulls have increased in size by 200 cubic centimeters since the mid-1800s, with average height from base to top increasing by eight millimeters
Researchers at the University of Bristol used forensic-style chemical analysis to directly link seismic observations to crystal growth in a magma chamber. The study found correlations between peak crystal growth and increased seismicity prior to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption.