A forensic science approach to a starved child

A 19-month-old, 3.6-kg (8-lb) female child dies after a protracted course. The child was premature and suffered a stormy perinatal and postnatal period. When there is underlying disease or a condition potentially sufficient in and of itself to result in a "starved child," isolation of the results of potential neglect presents particular difficulties. The approach to the resolution of this question will be addressed.     

Context effects in forensic science: a review and application of the science of science to crime laboratory practice in the United States.

This article discusses the phenomenon of "context effects" by reviewing the findings and practices of a range of scientific fields, including astronomy, physics, biology, medicine, and especially the relevant research and theory from psychology. Context information, such as expectations about what one is supposed to see or conclude, has been found to have a small but relentless impact on human perception, judgment, and decision-making. The article then considers the vulnerability of forensic science practice to context effects, and concludes by suggesting that forensic science adopt practices familiar in other fields of scientific work, in particular blind or double-blind testing and also the use of evidence line-ups.     

Archaeology, science and forensic anthropology: a tribute to Dr T. Dale Stewart

The name, T. Dale Stewart is synonymous with physical anthropology. To many members of the physical anthropology section, particularly those born in the latter half of this century, he is perhaps best known for his 1979 Essentials of Forensic Anthropology. Without a doubt, much of the foundation of this discipline rests upon his teachings and influence. Few knew him in the capacity that William M. Bass did, as T. Dale Stewart was a member of Bass doctoral committee. Bass was greatly influenced during the time he spent working with Dr. Stewart in the 1950's and the instruction and guidance Stewart instilled in Bass has and will continue to be passed on to subsequent generations. Research was Dale Stewart's main emphasis and he succeeded in demonstrating the value of investigation and how results were crucial in explaining many of the processes manifest on skeletal material. Clearly his hypothesis-based approach became essential to skeletal biology and numerous procedures and methods employed in the field are synonymous with the teachings of Dr. T. Dale Stewart. By reflecting on several recently completed interdisciplinary research projects, the far-reaching impact of his knowledge and instruction can be demonstrated.     

The contribution of forensic science to crime analysis and investigation: forensic intelligence

The debate in forensic science concentrates on issues such as standardisation, accreditation and de-contextualisation, in a legal and economical context, in order to ensure the scientific objectivity and efficiency that must guide the process of collecting, analysing, interpreting and reporting forensic evidence. At the same time, it is recognised that forensic case data is still poorly integrated into the investigation and the crime analysis process, despite evidence of its great potential in various situations and studies. A change of attitude is needed in order to accept an extended role for forensic science that goes beyond the production of evidence for the court. To stimulate and guide this development, a long-term intensive modelling activity of the investigative and crime analysis process that crosses the boundaries of different disciplines has been initiated. A framework that fully integrates forensic case data shows through examples the capital accumulated that may be put to use systematically.     

Supercritical fluid chromatography in forensic science: a critical appraisal

The application of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) in forensic science is reviewed. The applications centre on the analysis of explosives and of drugs of abuse. The systems employed are discussed in the context of comparison with gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography methods which are traditionally used for such analyses. The advantages and disadvantages of SFC over these methods are discussed. Recommendations are made for the developments which are required in SFC technology if it is to find greater application in forensic science.     

Sex determination in subadults using auricular surface morphology: a forensic science perspective.

The determination of sex in subadult skeletons remains a problem for several areas of biological anthropology. To date, univariate and multivariate assessments of sex in the young using adult indicators have failed to produce reliable results. However, research in this area continues. In 1980, Weaver proposed a modification of adult differences in auricular surface morphology as an effective means for sex determination in subadult remains. His method was indirectly evaluated by Hunt through a comparison of the sex ratios produced by this technique and the expected 1:1 ratio. The present investigation expands upon both studies by using a sample of subadults of known sex, and by evaluating Weaver's method from two perspectives: 1) what percentage of individuals can be correctly sexed using Weaver's criteria? and 2) what is the probability that an individual case will be correctly sexed based on the presence or absence of auricular surface elevation? The first is of interest to those reconstructing population patterns, while the second is critical to the forensic investigator faced with the diagnosis of an individual case. The sample used in this study consisted of 58 ilia from subadults of known sex ranging in age from birth through 18. In each case, sufficient soft tissues were present to allow absolute sex diagnosis. Each ilium was subjected to a blind examination using Weaver's criteria for auricular surface elevation. Weaver's technique proved most effective on the males in our sample, with an overall accuracy of 85.3%; however, accuracy in sexing females was only slightly better than chance at 58.3%. Our results corresponded closely to Weaver's own values of 85.4 and 57.7% respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Distinguishing between forensic science and forensic pseudoscience: Testing of validity and reliability,and approaches to forensic voice comparison

In this paper it is argued that one should not attempt to directly assess whether a forensic analysis technique is scientifically acceptable. Rather one should first specify what one considers to be appropriate principles governing acceptable practice, then consider any particular approach in light of those principles. This paper focuses on one principle: the validity and reliability of an approach should be empirically tested under conditions reflecting those of the case under investigation using test data drawn from the relevant population. Versions of this principle have been key elements in several reports on forensic science, including forensic voice comparison, published over the last four-and-a-half decades. The aural–spectrographic approach to forensic voice comparison (also known as “voiceprint” or “voicegram” examination) and the currently widely practiced auditory–acoustic–phonetic approach are considered in light of this principle (these two approaches do not appear to be mutually exclusive). Approaches based on data, quantitative measurements, and statistical models are also considered in light of this principle.     

Mephitic projects: a forensic leisure science analysis of the BTK serial murders

Although it has been suggested among both forensic experts and a small number of leisure scientists that serial murder may be a form of recreational leisure, such suggestions remain largely unexplored both theoretically and empirically. Given the absence of scholarship on this possibility, this project explored and analyzed the structure and function of leisure activities within an unusual case (Dennis Rader) of serial murder. A thorough analysis of relevant case documents confirmed that serial murder itself can be experienced by the killer as a form of recreational leisure with the potential for optimal psychological experience (flow), and that various leisure activities may function in specific ways within the serial murder process. An unexpected finding in this case was that leisure, specifically project-based leisure, served to structure specific killings. Findings provide valuable new insights for forensics behavioral experts that may be used to guide future research.     

印记基因5个SNP分型及亲代来源的检测

目的 采用复合PCR-Snapshot联合甲基化敏感酶切技术,检测印记基因中5个SNP的甲基化状态、印记亲代来源及分型.方法 选择15例亲子鉴定已证实为亲生关系的家系样本,采用单碱基延伸复合检测技术,检测家系样本IGF2AS rs1003483、SNURF rs220028、SNURF rs4906939、DLGAP2 rs6558478、SIM2 rs737380等5个SNP分型,同时选用核酸内切酶(McrBC)和甲基化敏感的限制酶(msRE) HhaⅠ、HpaⅡ消化子代DNA,验证印记基因的亲代来源.结果 经用本文方法检测,证实rs1003483为父源印记;rs220028、rs4906939为母源印记;rs6558478及rs737380未在差异甲基化区,不能确定其印记亲代来源.结论 复合PCR-Snapshot联合甲基化敏感酶切技术简单、高效,在检测多个SNP分型的同时可确定亲代来源,可在相关研究和实践中选用.     

Palynology: its position in the field of forensic science

Here we examine the current state of palynology in the field of forensic science. Forensic palynology is discussed with reference to other forensic disciplines to help understand what is required for its progress. Emerging developments are also discussed. Palynomorphs potentially deliver excellent trace evidence, fulfilling the requirements relating to the transfer, persistence, and detection of such evidence. Palynological evidence can provide very powerful investigative and associative evidence. Despite this, the application of palynology to forensic science has had mixed success. There are many anecdotal stories where pollen evidence has had spectacular successes. But it is extremely underutilized in most countries because it is labor-intensive and requires considerable expertise and experience, there is a lack of control over sample collection and inadequate resourcing and funding, and its crime-solving power is not well known. Palynology has been applied to forensic problems in an unstructured way, resulting in a lack of formalized discussion of the underlying principles. As there is renewed questioning of the acceptability of most evidence types in the current legal environment, there is a need for the establishment of palynological evidence through validation-type studies and experimentation, and the implementation of independent proficiency testing.     

Lockdown labs: Pivoting to remote learning in forensic science higher education

Forensic Science training and education is reliant on the application of knowledge to casework scenarios and the development of key practical skills that provide a platform for career development in the field. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a number of challenges to effectively deliver practical content online and remotely, whilst still meeting intended learning outcomes, accreditation requirements, and attaining a high level of student engagement and experience. The MSc Forensic Science programme featured in this study is a one-year degree programme with a strong emphasis on the practical elements of forensic science, and a diverse international student cohort. Therefore, the restrictions associated with the pandemic made it very difficult not only to plan the delivery of material but also to adapt the content itself for effective online and remote learning.By focusing on the intended learning outcomes, a number of innovative teaching practices were developed to successfully transition from face-to-face teaching to online and remote delivery. A range of online and practical resources were developed, including a laboratory home kit, demonstration videos, online practical technique simulations (produced by Learning Science), data analysis tasks, and interactive workshops and activities, all designed to consolidate student learning and build confidence, in preparation for such a time that on campus practical teaching could resume. The initial feedback received from these activities from both staff and students was extremely positive and the transition from classroom to online teaching was a success, as reflected in student attainment and later student feedback. Students reported that they had a better understanding of what was expected of them, including knowledge of protocols and techniques, and felt much more confident moving into the next stage of their learning development. Even though the practical laboratory sessions were the most significantly affected by the restrictions associated with the pandemic, and resulted in reduced interaction for the students, this was counteracted by virtual sessions and workshops, which gave students the opportunity to engage with each other and communicate their thoughts and opinions, ultimately building key presentation and group working skills.This case study will detail the pivot to remote learning, as well as critically evaluating the feedback from students and discussing the changes that are likely to be retained as longer-term teaching practices, versus those that were a necessary temporary addition or adjustment in response to the pandemic.     

Weakening forensic science in Spain: from expert evidence to documentary evidence

An amendment in 2002 to the Spanish Code of Criminal Procedure converted into documentary evidence the expert reports prepared by official laboratories aimed at determining the nature, weight, and purity of seized drugs. In most cases, experts are spared from appearance before the courts. This is likely to be extended to other forensic fields. After an overview of criminalistic identification in current forensic science, the objectivity and reliability concepts used by jurists and scientists are considered by comparing the paradigm of individualization with that of likelihood. Subsequently, a detailed critical study is made on the above-mentioned Spanish legal reform, and a comparison is made with the decision on the Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts case as ruled by the Supreme Court of the United States. Although the reform is in compliance with the Spanish Constitution, it is at odds with science, in particular regarding the logic underpinning the scientific evaluation of evidence.