Following are articles published by the National Institute of Justice
How Good Are the Data? Novel Metric Assesses Probability That an Unknown Drug Sample Matches a Known Sample
NIJ-funded researchers developed a novel metric to assess probability that an unknown sample of a drug matches a library sample, with profound implications for standardization of mass spectrometry results.
Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group — A Channel to Improve Forensics
How Things Burn: Developing Realistic Models of How Materials Combust and Degrade in a Fire
Researchers have created a more accurate methodology for predicting how things burn
Crime Scene Documentation: Weighing the Merits of Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning
The reliability, interpretability, and cost-benefit of three-dimensional laser-scanned images for crime scene documentation is assessed.
The Effects of Temperature on Blowfly Colonization of Decomposing Human Bodies
Development of blowflies on a body is a standard forensic measure of time since death, but temperature variations can alter that development and mislead investigators.
Improving Bruise Detection with Alternate Light
Scientists Seek Connection Between Toxin-causing Bacterium and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Researchers believe a bacterium that causes food poisoning and other diseases may underlie some SIDS cases.
Evaluating Aerial Systems for Crime-Scene Reconstruction
New drone-mounted remote sensing technologies could complement conventional ground-based laser scanning in efficiently recreating crime scenes for forensic analysis.
Algorithm Quantifies What Experts See When They Examine Skeletons
Researchers created an open-access computer program for estimating the age of skeletal remains that outperforms current methods. The algorithm is based on 20 age-related skeletal changes identified by experienced forensic anthropologists.
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.
New Method for Measuring Human Decomposition Could Significantly Impact Medicolegal Death Investigations
Improving postmortem interval estimation with standardized and simplified protocols could significantly impact medicolegal death investigations by providing more accurate and reliable data for determining time since death.
Fast and Portable Drug Testing: Dual-Method Prototype Shows Promise for Court-Admissible Drug Testing
Researchers integrate two independent, validated drug-testing techniques – mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy – onto a single platform prototype for fast and accurate analysis of seized substances.