DNA - A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook Inventory

Forensic Palynology

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Photo of pollen and spores commonly shown in forensic palynology
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Also available, although still in its infancy in the United States, is forensic palynology. Forensic palynology is the scientific analysis of pollen and spores, both modern and fossil. The analysis is based on species and sample comparisons using microscopy. The evidence obtained from this type of analysis can aid in criminal investigations. It can provide scientific comparisons that may be used as associative or exclusionary evidence in court.

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