Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed new methods for detecting fingermarks on Scottish banks' new polymer notes, which are not effective with traditional cotton banknote techniques. The most effective process involves superglue fuming and infrared light.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that convalescent plasma therapy is a safe treatment option for patients with severe COVID-19 disease. The therapy showed significant improvement in 76% of patients, with no adverse side effects caused by the plasma transfusion.
The new peer-reviewed journal Forensic Genomics will document advances in genetic testing and genome sequencing to support human identification. The Journal will accept original research papers and genealogical research on DNA testing technologies, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and genealogical methods.
Trained dogs can detect fire accelerants like gasoline in tiny quantities, making them more sensitive than conventional lab tests. The study provides a target for forensic labs when processing evidence flagged by detection dogs.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has released consensus recommendations to aid in the design, validation and interpretation of clinical genotyping tests for predicting warfarin response. The guidelines define a minimum set of pharmacogenetic alleles for inclusion in clinical warfarin sensitivity genotyping tests.
A George Mason study found that alternate light source detects bruises 5 times better than white light on diverse skin tones, addressing the disparity in bruise detection for people of color. The research aims to improve medical and legal outcomes for victims of violence.
Researchers at NIST create a brick made of white flour mixed with fluorescent powder to visualize the spread of drug particles under UV light. They find that frequent glove changes, large-mouth vials, and two sets of wash bottles can minimize particle spread.
Researchers developed a faster and more objective alternative to traditional maggot analysis methods. They created a new hierarchical conformal predictor that can distinguish between six different maggot species, revolutionizing the field of forensic entomology.
Researchers used Rapid DNA Identification to quickly identify 58 victims of the 2018 Camp Fire, a technique that can provide results within hours. This work represents the first use of Rapid DNA Identification in a mass casualty event and has since been utilized in another incident.
The Toolkit for Selective Analysis and Reconstruction of Files (FileTSAR) is a comprehensive tool that allows forensic investigators to capture, analyze, and reconstruct files from network traffic. Developed by Purdue University experts, the tool has been licensed to over 100 law enforcement agencies worldwide.
A study has described the pathology of SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, for the first time in its early phase. The research reveals edema, proteinaceous exudate, and inflammatory cellular infiltration in patients with COVID-19 pneumonina.
A study assesses the reliability of a forensic identification technique using photographic pattern analysis. The results show that even at low false positive rates, true positive rates are less than 40%, suggesting extreme caution when using this technique.
Erin Kimmerle's research uncovered the remains of dozens of boys buried in unmarked graves, shedding light on decades of abuse and revealing an alarming history of injustices. Her work has brought closure to victims' families and sparked a global conversation about wrongdoing.
Dr. Katherine Scafide and collaborators will develop a protocol for bruise identification using alternate light sources, advancing the science behind this technology and its adoption in forensic nursing practice. The grant aims to identify potential barriers to successful implementation across forensic units.
Scientists at Colorado State University are using human bone remains to study predictable postmortem microbes, which can help estimate the time since death. The research aims to improve forensic science by using microbial communities to measure decomposition.
A new AI algorithm, ConvPath, uses artificial intelligence to classify cell types and quantify spatial distributions in tumor tissue. This allows pathologists to obtain accurate cancer cell analysis in a faster way.
A new sensor developed by scientists uses black silicon to detect trace amounts of nitroaromatic compounds, a common component of explosives and toxic pollutants. The sensor's high sensitivity and dynamic measurement range make it a potentially game-changing tool for medical and forensic evaluations.
Skull shape differences were found among Asian and Asian-derived groups, enabling more nuanced ancestry estimations in forensic casework. The study provides population-specific methods for estimating biological profiles, aiding victim identification in mass disasters.
Scientists at NIST have developed a single-step method to dissolve hair proteins, allowing for quantitative analysis and comparison of protein molecules from two hairs. This new technique removes the major obstacle of working with durable hair, making it a valuable tool for forensic investigation.
Researchers found that emergency department admissions for adolescents between 12-17 increased by more than 100% from 2010 to 2016. The study suggests improved awareness and coordination with law enforcement and forensic teams may be contributing factors.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that Dominican and Haitian individuals can be differentiated with statistical certainty despite their close physical proximity. The study highlights the importance of conducting research on understudied groups to aid forensic specialists in identifying missing persons.
A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has made significant strides in understanding the role of proteins called TDP-43 in ALS. The researchers found that TDP-43 aggregates in nerve cells can cause a toxic effect, leading to paralysis. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing effective treatments and therapies.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that examining the distal humerus (elbow) bone is superior to previous techniques for identifying sex in a non-Asian population. The study used over 600 modern, documented skeletons from Thailand and found that the shape of the elbow differs between females and males.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new forensic tracer that uses lead isotopes to detect coal fly ash in dust and other solids. The tracer can distinguish between the chemical signature of lead from coal ash and lead from other sources, providing a powerful tool for tracking exposure risks near coal ash ponds and landfills.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is partnering to enhance Texas Adult Protective Services' financial exploitation investigations and client services. The three-year grant will provide statewide access to forensic accountants and enhanced training for caseworkers to investigate claims of financial exploitation.
A new technique allows police to analyze exterior packaging of suspected drug bags for safe handling, reducing accidental exposure to fentanyl. The method involves swiping the outside of a baggie and analyzing it for drugs using DART-MS.
A study from Aarhus University reveals that intimate partner homicide accounts for 57% of all female homicides in Denmark. The majority of these victims are women killed by their male partners, often after prior threats and violence.
A new study reveals that a protein called caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is depleted in the temporal lobe of humans with type-2 diabetes and in a diabetic mouse model, leading to increased Alzheimer's disease pathology. Restoring Cav-1 levels in mice reduced Alzheimer's pathology and improved learning and memory deficits.
The team aims to understand how genetics contributes to driving aggressive pathology in prostate cancer by combining pathology, computational modeling, and genomics. They plan to identify therapeutic options by testing combinations of genes in mouse models of the disease.
A new study highlights gaps in clinical forensic services across EU countries, emphasizing the need for on-call support, standardization, and expansion. The researchers advocate for an EU network promoting clinical forensic examinations, prioritizing victim safety and public interest.
Researchers at Staffordshire University are using artificial aquatic ecosystems called limnotrons to test plastic degradation and develop a standardized method for identifying the age of plastics. The study will help identify effective mitigation and management strategies for reducing plastic pollution in freshwater systems.
A team of researchers led by Brittany Dugger will study donated post-mortem brain tissues from diverse individuals with Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican heritage to define the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic cohorts. The goal is to develop specific disease profiles and improve prevention and treatment.
Researchers at DZNE associate oxidative stress with the spreading of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. The findings suggest that oxidative stress may trigger the formation and aggregation of toxic alpha-synuclein species, leading to progressive pathology and neuronal damage.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that ancient bones found in a Finnish lake contain DNA from the modern Sámi people, dating back to around 500-700 AD. The discovery contradicts previous theories about local populations and sheds light on the colonization history of Siberia.
Researchers developed a new approach to improve matches between DNA samples and face databases by reversing the process from DNA to face. The method uses software to measure faces and check for compatibility with unique DNA patterns, allowing for more accurate identifications.
A new protein, CAPON, has been linked to the connection between amyloid-β plaques and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Accumulation of CAPON increases AD-related pathology, while deficiency reduces symptoms. The study uses novel mouse models to explore this link.
A recent study of 563 sexual assault cases in Massachusetts found striking similarities in the types of injuries and violence experienced by adult and adolescent victims. Teenage victims were more likely to experience violence, force, and choking, with significant increases in use of force as age increased.
Three new DFG research training groups will be established at FAU to investigate emerging fields such as cyber crime, novel antiviral approaches and energy conversion systems that do not require heavy metals.
Researchers found widespread inconsistencies in antibody use, causing unreliable results and wasting $2 billion per year. They call for industry-wide standards to validate antibodies, especially in human tissue research.
Researchers at King's College London developed a new technique using ion chromatography and mass spectrometry to detect and trace homemade explosives. This approach enables the detection of thousands of compounds simultaneously, providing valuable information for criminal investigations.
A recent study found that two-thirds of adults dying prematurely from natural causes did not seek medical help in the 30 days leading up to their death. The research identified key factors contributing to premature adult deaths, including alcohol, tobacco, and lack of access to healthcare.
A color test developed at University of Technology Sydney can accurately detect all cathinones, a new illicit synthetic drug entering the market every four days. The test is now commercialized and being marketed to police and customs agencies in Europe, offering a solution for detecting new psychoactive substances.
A recent study found that psychostimulants, particularly methamphetamine, play a major role in fatal strokes among young adults. The study analyzed national data and found that nearly a fifth of fatal strokes in adults aged 15-44 were attributed to psychostimulant use.
Researchers developed a new method to distinguish between drug ingestion and external contamination of hair by analyzing single hairs from volunteers. The team found that splitting the hair lengthwise increased sensitivity for zolpidem detection, allowing them to separate ingestion from contamination.
A study published in PNAS shows that an enzyme inhibitor reduces inflammation in the brains of mice born to mothers with maternal immune activation, reversing cognitive and social interaction deficiencies. The findings suggest a potential new treatment approach for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers are developing methods to extract DNA and analyze chemicals from fingerprints, improving identification rates. These techniques involve analyzing molecules like DNA, amino acids, or explosives left behind in fingerprints.
The Purdue University-developed FileTSAR toolkit is an all-in-one cyber toolkit that helps detectives investigate and solve cybercrimes. It captures data flows, reconstructs multiple data types, and maintains forensic integrity, making it easier for investigators to follow a criminal's digital footprint.
Researchers found that a vegan-based fasting diet reduced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathology in mice by changing their gut microbiota. The diet, known as the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD), increased stem cell numbers and stimulated protective gut microbiota, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation.
A low-calorie fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation and increase intestinal stem cells, promoting the expansion of beneficial gut microbiota. The study suggests that this regimen may have potential in mitigating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathology.
A research team has assembled a detailed atlas of bone marrow cells from AML patients, revealing six stages of white blood cell development and a role for differentiated tumor cells in suppressing immune responses. The study may lead to personalized therapies targeting specific AML cell types.
Researchers will analyze factors making hands unique to develop new biometric capabilities for security access and border control. An active, open-source dataset of over 5,000 participant images will be created to address variable image conditions.
Researchers at the Buck Institute have identified a novel molecular mechanism that orchestrates harmful inflammatory signaling in glial cells, contributing to Parkinson's disease pathology. Blocking Furin 1, a catalytic protein, in dopaminergic neurons reduces toxic cross-talk and protects neurons from degeneration.
A new diagnostic technique using infrared imaging and proteomics has identified a protein biomarker called AHNAK2 that can accurately distinguish between bladder cancer and benign inflammation. The technique has been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between various stages of bladder cancer.
Nearly 3,000 maternal-fetal medicine physicians will share their expertise on preventing maternal morbidity and mortality at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's Annual Meeting. The event also includes a partnership between SMFM and Rancho High School, where students will learn from physicians about prenatal care and childbirth.
A recent study published in the Fire Safety Journal found that commonly-used emollients can increase fabric flammability, posing a hidden fire risk. The research, conducted by Anglia Ruskin University, tested various emollients and found that even paraffin-free products can ignite fabrics quickly.
A study by UTHealth researchers identified three high-risk areas in Harris County where SUID cases are most likely to occur. Modifiable risk factors included unsafe co-sleeping, improper sleep position, and tobacco use. The study suggests that following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations can reduce SUID incidence.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine suggest narrow searcher spacing and double passes can increase detection rates. This new methodology aims to improve the recovery of skeletal remains, making it easier to find missing individuals.
Researchers studying opioid addiction effects on bones are exploring how it impacts microscopic bone structures used to estimate age-at-death. Opioids upset the balance of bone remodeling towards more destruction and less formation of bone, leading to severely compromised age-at-death estimates.
Researchers identified Porphyromonas gingivalis as a bacterial pathogen driving Alzheimer's disease pathology in the brains of patients. The study found that Pg infection led to increased production of amyloid beta and neuroinflammation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of South Florida found significant flaws in forensic software DXAGE, which estimates age-at-death based on bone mineral density. The software's accuracy was off by an average of 14.25 years for women who died between 30s and 70s.