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
Using Forensic Intelligence Analysts to Drive Gun Crime Investigations
Genetic Variants Linked to Sudden Unexplained Deaths
Researchers improve molecular autopsy accuracy by identifying more genetic variants that could lead to sudden unexplained deaths. These genetic clues may better inform criminal investigations and help prevent deaths in surviving family members.
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.
Using Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes
Integrating forensic evidence into the intelligence process is an evolutionary next step in reducing, disrupting, and preventing violent crime.
Notes from the Field: A Multijurisdictional Team Moved Cold Cases to the Front Burner
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.
Embracing Next Generation Methods for Forensic DNA Sequence Analysis
The regions of the genome relied on for identification of individuals pose challenges for analysts because they often produce artifacts during processing. NIJ-funded research has led to a solution that lessens the artifact problem.