Selective detection of cytomegalovirus by in situ hybridization

In two SIDS autopsy cases, in situ hybridization with biotin-labeled DNA probes was used to demonstrate a specific cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in paraffin-embedded tissue sections. This technique represents a rapid, specific, and highly sensitive tool for the detection of CMV infections and is recommended for routine examination in other suspected viral infections, particularly in cases connected with SIDS.     

A novel approach to the visualisation of heat-induced structural change in bone.

A new approach to visualising heat-induced change in bone was attempted. This was an attempt to counter the serious limitations of existing analytical methods yet still allow for the examination of subtle changes that occur due to burning. A new form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging was deemed to fulfil this remit. Preliminary tests were performed and proved successful in creating clear, well-defined images of progressive heat-induced structural changes in bone. The implications for improving our understanding of heat-induced change, and therefore our methods of human identification, are significant.     

Effect of water immersion on seminal stains on cotton cloth

Reports on identification of seminal stains and spermatozoa on washed clothing are available. However, their detection on such clothing seems to depend on the washing material and the procedure adopted. It is reported here that prolonged immersion in water does not affect the detection of stains and spermatozoa.Results of experiments on water-immersed cotton clothing from 12 to 144 hours of water immersion are presented here. It is seen that intact human spermatozoa could be detected on such material even at 120 hours.     

The body buried twice

The authors report the case of an unusual reason for an "exhumation." A young person "exhumed" a child's body involved in a road accident because he wanted to test methods for preventing or slowing down the process of postmortem decay.