Following are articles published by the National Institute of Justice
Using Advanced Imaging Technologies to Enhance Autopsy Practices
Making imaging technologies available to forensic pathologists as common practice — although not without challenges — will help improve medicolegal death investigations in the United States.
Expanding the Smokeless Powder Database
Researchers expanded the National Center for Forensic Science Smokeless Powders Database from 100 to more than 800 entries.
Developing a Database of Cursive and Printed Handwriting Characteristics
Researchers conducted a statistical study of handwriting characteristics to provide a database so that forensic document examination standards will better stand up to judicial scrutiny.
Determining Where A Shoe Last Walked by Measuring "Loosely Held Particles"
Criminals track dust particles to and from virtually every crime scene, but particles on a suspect’s shoes are seldom used as evidence linking the accused to the crime. In this NIJ-supported project, researchers assert that investigators can use small par
Establishing Scientific Criteria for 3-D Analysis of Cartridges
Researchers who developed a 3-D imaging system for analyzing cartridge casings say their latest work is “a critical next step” that gives cartridge analysis more credibility by including datasets, best practices, and performance checks.
Body Fluid Identification
Creating a Portable System for Tool Mark Analysis
Researchers claim they have developed a prototype system that could enable “low-cost, portable, objective analysis of tool marks.”
Solving Crimes With Soil Bacteria
Identifying Ignitable Liquids in the Aftermath of a Fire
After analyzing how ignitable liquids break down because of weathering and biological degradation in the aftermath of a fire, researchers have provided new data to fire investigators and crime labs.
Forensic Identification Using Individual Chemical Signatures
By touching a cell phone, car keys, or even a pen, you are leaving behind a chemical signature that can reveal much about how you live your daily life.
Standardized Process Developed for Identifying Dyes in Fibers
Designing Methods to Identify Evolving Designer Drugs
The Evidence for Very Small Particles
Adapting Newborn Blood Testing Procedures to Forensic Toxicology
The standard method for collecting and storing blood samples from newborns might be useful for forensic toxicology.
Can CT Scans Enhance or Replace Medicolegal Autopsies?
Researchers look into the utility of postmortem X-ray computed tomography in supplanting or supplementing medicolegal autopsies.
Improving the Reliability of Drug Tests Done by Officers
Researchers look at transition metal cluster compounds for the fluorescent identification and trace detection of substances of abuse.