Articles tagged with Forensic Medicine
Researchers at Linköping University have developed an AI model that can accurately determine the time of death from blood samples, providing crucial information in murder investigations and police work. The method uses metabolites to analyze changes in small molecules over time, outperforming current methods.
Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, have been found to be a significant source of trace evidence in forensic science. The new study provides a comprehensive review of their role in forensic botany, highlighting their potential for linking suspects, victims, and locations.
Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in monitoring public health threats, advancing disease research, and providing support to families who have lost loved ones. They operate independently of law enforcement and courts, performing final diagnostic evaluations and providing objective facts for the justice system.
A new study found that new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a significant concern in roadway crashes in California. NPS, also known as ‘designer drugs’, were detected in the blood of 17 patients, with most frequent being designer benzodiazepines and fentanyl analogs.
Researchers at Linköping University have created a rapid method for measuring the effect of new psychoactive substances, enabling faster narcotics classification. The method was tested on 17 suspected cannabinoid drugs and classified 14 as narcotics.
Researchers analyzed 140 complete autopsies of COVID-19 patients and found the most frequent profile is men aged 60-77 with acute lung injury, often accompanied by vascular disease, heart disease, and diabetes. This profile was associated with a shorter time to death.
The study provides the first analysis of pigment use in funerary and architectural contexts at Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Turkey. The findings show that red ochre was commonly used on adults and children, while cinnabar and blue/green were associated with males and females, respectively.
A new study found that metabolomic analysis of postmortem blood can identify biomarkers for diabetes mellitus, enabling accurate forensic diagnosis. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the quality of forensic investigations and public health.
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 study found that pacemakers and other cardiac devices can determine the time and cause of death in unclear cases where autopsy fails. The devices revealed this information in 76% of cases, with changes in lead impedance and pacing threshold used to assign the time of death.
The concentration of THC in Danish cannabis has tripled over 20 years, reaching an average of 28% per cent in recent samples. This significant increase is attributed to the growing trend of skunk farms in Denmark, which provide high-quality cannabis plants with elevated THC levels.
A University of Adelaide pathologist has sounded a warning about the dangers of herbal medicines, which can cause serious illnesses, exacerbate pre-existing health problems, or result in death if taken in excess or combined with prescription drugs. The study analyzed 251 Asian herbal products and found high levels of toxic substances.
A UK study found that victims of rape, especially children, face wide differences in forensic and medical services between Specialized Rape Crisis Assessment Centres (SARCs) and non-SARC facilities. The lack of experienced doctors willing to provide holistic care is a major issue.
The University of Edinburgh is partnering with universities worldwide to launch Masters Degrees in Legal Medicine and Forensic Science. The programs aim to equip students with comprehensive skills and expertise in forensic education, including courses on human identification, chemical evidence, and crime scene management.