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Forensic pathology

Nerve Agent Uptake and Detection in Human Bone

May 2017

This presentation discusses experimental tests of a model for drug uptake by human bone and explores how the results may be applied to detect nerve agent exposure from human remains recovered from mass graves during human rights investigations.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 9, 2017.

Detection and Visibility of Bruises Using Alternate Light: From Science to Practice

October 2019

Alternate light has the potential to be an important tool for improving the detection and documentation of bruises among victims of violence. In this webinar, we discussed the science behind the technology, new evidence supporting its use, and clinical considerations regarding its application.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 30, 2019.

Vulnerable Victims: Forensic Pathology of Child Abuse, Part 4

Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.
March 2017

These presentations highlight specific case studies from a pathologist’s perspective. Jamie Downs, M.D., discussed several topics, including best practices for identifying child abuse and the difference between manner of death and cause of death.

Vulnerable Victims: Forensic Pathology of Child Abuse, Part 3

Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.
March 2017

These presentations highlight specific case studies from a pathologist’s perspective. Jamie Downs, M.D., discussed several topics, including best practices for identifying child abuse and the difference between manner of death and cause of death.

Vulnerable Victims: Forensic Pathology of Child Abuse, Part 2

Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.
March 2017

These presentations highlight specific case studies from a pathologist’s perspective. Jamie Downs, M.D., discussed several topics, including best practices for identifying child abuse and the difference between manner of death and cause of death.

Vulnerable Victims: Forensic Pathology of Child Abuse, Part 1

Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.
March 2017

These presentations highlight specific case studies from a pathologist’s perspective. Jamie Downs, M.D., discussed several topics, including best practices for identifying child abuse and the difference between manner of death and cause of death.

Post-mortem Computed Tomography Potpourri of Unnatural Deaths

May 2021

In the sixth and final webinar, participants will be introduced to the use of PMCT in the investigation of a variety of unnatural deaths not discussed in previous webinars.  Topics include overdose deaths, select asphyxial mechanisms of death, and sharp force injury.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 18, 2021. 

Post-mortem Computed Tomography of Natural Death

May 2021

In the fifth webinar, participants will be introduced to the use of PMCT in the investigation of natural deaths.  At the New Mexico OMI, a PMCT scan may be used to rule out trauma in apparently natural deaths, or to confirm a natural cause of death.  Depending on investigative details (circumstances, age, and medical history), and the PMCT findings, pathologists may choose to perform an external exam or a full autopsy.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 11, 2021.

Post-mortem Computed Tomography of Gunshot Wounds

April 2021

In the third webinar, participants will be introduced to the use of PMCT for examining decedents with gunshot wounds, both homicidal and self-inflicted.  At the New Mexico OMI, a PMCT scan is performed in virtually all gunshot wound (GSW) related deaths.  In cases of suspected homicide or suspicious suicides, autopsy is also performed.  However, in non-suspicious cases involving self-inflicted GSW, PMCT is combined with an external examination, and sometimes a partial autopsy to retrieve a retained projectile, replacing the full autopsy.