press/latest news
New DNA test a 'eureka moment' in revealing who is behind a crime
Criminals who naturally shed more DNA than others could be linked to a crime scene with greater accuracy, following the advent of a new DNA test developed by Australian researchers.
The test, which involves the use of a binding dye, allows investigators to determine where DNA evidence has been left behind at a crime scene, potentially cutting the cost of expensive forensic laboratory testing and dramatically reducing the time it takes to identify a DNA profile.
Combining multiple CCTV images could help catch suspects
Combining multiple poor quality CCTV images into a single, computer-enhanced composite could improve the accuracy of facial recognition systems used to identify criminal suspects, new research suggests.
NIST builds statistical foundation for next-generation forensic DNA profiling
When experts compare the DNA left at a crime scene with the DNA of a suspect, they generate statistics that describe how closely those DNA samples match. These match statistics are reliable because
they're based on rigorous scientific research. However, that research only applies to DNA fingerprints, also called DNA profiles, that have been generated using current technology. Now, scientists have laid the statistical foundation for calculating match statistics when using Next Generation Sequencing, or NGS, which produces DNA profiles that can be more useful in solving some crimes.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180723132034.htm
Using bloodstains at crime scenes to determine age of a suspect or victim
From the spatter analysis made famous in the TV show Dexter to the frequent DNA profiling of CSI and the real cases covered in the FBI Files, blood tests are ubiquitous in forensic science. Now, researchers report that a new blood test, which could be performed at a crime scene, could help determine the age of a suspect or victim within just an hour.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180620094835.htm
Gene Expression Patterns May Help Determine Time of Death
International team of scientists shows that changes in gene expression in different tissues can be used to predict the time of death of individuals. Their results may have implications for forensic analyses.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180213132941.htm
Your smartphone's next trick? Fighting cybercrime
A team of researchers has discovered how to identify smartphones by examining just one photo taken by the device. The advancement opens the possibility of using smartphones -- instead of body parts -- as a form of identification to deter cybercrime.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171213115841.htm
