Following are articles published by the National Institute of Justice
The Search for a Microbial Death Clock
Criminal investigators use physiological changes and insect development to determine how long a body has been dead, but scientists are using the trillions of microbes involved in human decomposition to find more accurate postmortem intervals.
The Forensic Microbiome: The Invisible Traces We Leave Behind
“Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him.” Edmond Locard (1877-1966), forensic science pioneer
Caution Is Necessary When Expanding Field Testing Capabilities
NIJ and NSF Renew Forensic Science Collaboration
Two leading funding agencies renew a joint commitment to evaluate and support scientific activities relevant to criminal justice.
Improving the Analysis and Collection of Trace Evidence Samples
New Methods for Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Damaged and Mixed DNA Samples
Identifying individuals through next generation DNA sequencing may involve degraded or mixed samples. A researcher has developed a technique to make fragmented DNA more readable, and a method to help pull individual profiles from mixed samples.
Notes from the Field: Solving Missing Persons Cases in Indian Country
Missing persons cases are overwhelming — not just for families, but for communities as a whole. When someone goes missing and is never found, families lack closure. The impact of the loss can spread through the whole community.