Forensic biology

Numerous crime laboratories have witnessed a surge in gun-related evidence submissions, leading to an increased demand for DNA testing and entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearms-related investigations. Simultaneously, the forensic value of firearms analysis has substantially grown, owing to advancements in DNA technology and the expansion of the NIBIN database. Consequently, several forensic labs have established dedicated units specifically focused on comprehensive firearms analysis.

This presentation is part of the Molecular Autopsy Implementation Panel, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 26, 2023.

This presentation is part of the Molecular Autopsy Implementation Panel, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 26, 2023.

This webinar is part of the Molecular Autopsy Implementation Panel, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 26, 2023.

This presentation is part of the Molecular Autopsy Implementation Panel, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 26, 2023.

This discussion is part of the Molecular Autopsy Implementation Panel, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 26, 2023.

This presentation is part of the Molecular Autopsy Implementation Panel, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 26, 2023.

Dr. Julie L. Valentine introduces the application of touch DNA in sexual assault cases through a case study. A literature review on touch DNA is summarized to provide contextual information and research on touch DNA analysis findings in groping sexual assault cases is discussed. The webinar concludes with recommendations for multidisciplinary partners to collect, submit, and analyze evidence in sexual assault cases for touch DNA.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 18, 2023.

This presentation explores the issue of lawfully “owed” DNA, which is a DNA sample from a qualifying offender who should have their DNA sample in CODIS (based on applicable state law), but from whom a sample has never been collected or submitted to a lab for testing.

While forensic DNA analysis can identify an individual(s) at a crime scene, it cannot identify the biological source from which that DNA was obtained – e.g. blood, saliva, or semen. Identification of the biological source of DNA can provide important contextual information for forensic investigations as well as evidence in court. Nearly all current methods used for body fluid identification are presumptive. Here we present a new proteomic mass spectrometry method for the confirmatory identification of blood, saliva, and semen.

Scientists from three participating laboratories - University of Central Florida (UCF), Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), and InnoGenomics (IGT) - presented results obtained from mock sexual assault samples using the SpermX method and their in-house differential extraction method. All three laboratories processed identical sets of female:male mixture swabs at various ratios in triplicate and presented their experiences and insights from this study.

Hair evidence collected as part of a forensic investigation has the potential to provide valuable source information through DNA analysis of its root. This webinar discusses the process of utilizing Hematoxylin staining in forensic casework as an indicator of hair root DNA suitability. The presenters demonstrate the process of staining hair roots with Hematoxylin, as well as provide visual examples of stained hair roots.

Fractography is a tool for studying material failure. Analysis of cracks and fractures can reveal information about how, why, and where a fracture initiated and how a crack traveled, providing insight into the cause of failure. This webinar provides a basic introduction to forensic fractography of bone, which represents a new model for skeletal trauma that emphasizes understanding the cause of material failure rather than simply classifying fracture patterns.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 2, 2022.