Following are articles published by the National Institute of Justice
Microbial Communities on Skin Leave Unique Traces at Crime Scenes
Investigators in two NIJ-supported studies have demonstrated that people carry unique microbial communities on their skin, and traces of those communities, left on touched objects, can be linked to the individual.
Potential Handheld Multispectral Camera for Crime Scene Investigations
New Approaches to Digital Evidence Acquisition and Analysis
Two NIJ-supported projects offer innovative ways to process digital evidence.
Forensic Evidence and Criminal Justice Outcomes in Sexual Assault Cases
An NIJ-funded study explored injury and forensic evidence in sexual assault cases using data from different types of medical examiners, laboratories, and the police.
Fiber Impurities Allow for More Detailed Forensic Fluorescence Comparisons
Fiber evidence has long been an important part of criminal cases, for it can associate a suspect with a crime scene. This project details new analytical procedures that allow fiber comparisons that are more detailed than standard forensic practices.
Synthetic Cathinones Stored in Biological Evidence Can Be Unstable
Synthetic cathinones, a class of mood-altering stimulants popular among recreational drug users, can be unstable when stored in blood or urine samples, and may be problematic when used as evidence in court.
Linking Suspects to Crime Scenes with Particle Populations
Two researchers with a long record of research into the forensic value of very small particle populations examined cell phones, handguns, drug packaging, and ski masks from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to determine if such particles can make phys
Fast and Versatile Forensic Analysis of Ink and Paper with an Easily Operated Laser
The ability of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instruments to detect practically the entire periodic table of elements very quickly and without the complexity of other systems makes them an economic choice for forensic analysis.
Expanding the Smokeless Powder Database
Researchers expanded the National Center for Forensic Science Smokeless Powders Database from 100 to more than 800 entries.
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
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.”
Designing Methods to Identify Evolving Designer Drugs
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.