Following are articles published by the National Institute of Justice
Child Abuse or Accident? Bringing Science to Pediatric Emergency Departments and Forensic Investigations
NIJ-funded researchers are developing a probability model to predict child head injuries in falls.
Caution Is Necessary When Expanding Field Testing Capabilities
Efficient Casework Policy To Address Emerging Challenges in Seized Drugs
The substances tested in cases involving seized drugs are always evolving. By establishing policies on the most critical samples to test and maintaining ongoing communication with stakeholders, laboratories can more efficiently manage a backlog.
Making Use of What’s Not Visible in Trace Evidence Examinations
Nanoparticles and other subvisible particles potentially present in nearly all trace evidence are often overlooked in forensic investigations. NIJ-supported researchers have characterized several types of particles and developed detection methods.
Hyperspectral Imaging and the Search for Humans, Dead or Alive
The technique used to pinpoint mineral deposits, hyperspectral imaging, could be used to find humans, both dead and alive. An NIJ-funded researcher realized that the technology could use drones with sensors to cover large areas and find human bodies.
Determining the Age of a Sample Using RNA Sequencing
The forensic power of DNA is clear, but biological evidence also contains RNA, another potential source of information. Because RNA decomposes quickly, its utility is considered limited. Could this decomposition provide information about a sample’s age?