Forensic science

  • Cause of death analysis in forensic anthropology

    In forensic anthropology, the analysis of the cause of death is a crucial aspect that helps to unravel the circumstances surrounding an individual's demise. By examining skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists can deduce not just how a person died, but also…

  • Main differences between a suicide hanging and a faked homicide

    In the dimness of a Victorian attic, the body of an individual is found suspended from the beams. At first glance, the body shows no initial signs of decomposition, suggesting a recent event. As one draws closer, the absence of…

  • Nitazenes: synthetic opioids more potent than fentanyl

    The emergence and impact of Nitazenes in the illicit drug market Nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids, were originally developed in the 1950s with the intention of being used as pain relievers. However, they never received approval for marketing for…

  • Risk factors in missing persons investigations

    Missing persons cases represent a significant and complex global issue, affecting thousands of families and communities each year. The phenomenon of disappearance is multifaceted, encompassing a range of scenarios from voluntary disappearances to abductions. Understanding the risk factors associated with…

  • Forensic art: identification through portraiture

    Forensic art is inherently interdisciplinary, as it merges the expertise of professionals from various fields, such as anatomy, anthropology, and odontology, among others, to achieve its goals. This collaborative nature is vital for the creation of composite images, image modification,…

  • Person identification in a forensic investigation

    Often, at the scene of an incident, immediate identification is carried out by relatives or acquaintances. Although this preliminary step can guide the initial directions of the investigation, it is not sufficient for legal and procedural purposes. The need for…

  • The challenges in estimating time of death

    Accurate estimation of the time of death in homicide cases is a cornerstone of forensic science, bearing significant implications for the investigation and prosecution of criminal activities. This article aims to explore the multifaceted role of time estimation in forensic…

  • The concept of linkage: the intersection of evidence

    Dr. Henry Lee, a renowned forensic scientist and the emeritus director of the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory, has made significant contributions to the field of forensic science, particularly in the development of the concept of linkage in crime scene examination.…

  • Trends in fingerprint analysis

    Fingerprints, or the impressions left by the unique patterns of ridges on an individual's fingers, are a fundamental tool in forensic science for identification purposes. These patterns, consisting of loops, whorls, and arches, form during the embryonic development stage and…

  • Criminal profiling techniques

    Criminal profiling, or crime profiling, is an investigative technique that involves various fields of knowledge such as psychology, criminology, anthropology, sociology, biology, and geography, applied to criminal investigation. This effective approach focuses on understanding the personality and criminal behavior of…

  • Marks of violence

    Forensic medicine has thoroughly investigated nearly all cases of violent deaths. Here, we will mention only some of the most common types of violence, but it's crucial to understand that forensic science can reveal much more. Gunshots The most common…

  • Fingerprinting

    Fingerprints are used to identify an unknown victim, witness, or suspect, verify records, and most importantly, serve as links and matches between a suspect and a crime. Even without a suspect, fingerprints can reveal clues and sometimes provide hints about…

  • DNA analysis

    DNA analysis has revolutionized forensic science, providing invaluable tools for crime resolution, victim identification in disasters, and establishing familial relationships. This article offers a comprehensive review of the role of DNA in forensic science, examining its structure, function, and the…

  • Forensic anthropology

    Forensic anthropology stands as a crucial discipline within the field of legal medicine, bridging the gap between physical anthropology and its practical application in judicial investigations. This specialty focuses on the study of human remains, primarily skeletons, to unravel mysteries…

  • Tracing Evidence at the Crime Scene: An In-depth Analysis of Forensic Techniques

    Forensic science has revolutionized the way crimes are investigated, providing indispensable tools to uncover the hidden secrets of crime scenes. One of the cornerstones of this science is the Locard's exchange principle, proposed by Edmond Locard, founder of the Institute…

  • Stages of human decomposition

    Human decomposition is both a fascinating and macabre process that remains central in forensic and scientific studies. This essential process not only provides clues about the time of death but also outlines a detailed portrait of post-mortem biological transformations. This…

  • Cocaine: typologies and modes of analysis

    In this article, we delve deep into cocaine, a natural alkaloid extracted from the coca plant, Erythroxylum coca, native to South America. We will explore its composition, extraction methods, modes of consumption, and its impact on the nervous system. Additionally,…

  • Advanced analysis of body fluids in forensic investigations

    The analysis of body fluids at crime scenes is a crucial component of forensic investigations, providing key clues about the events that occurred and the individuals involved. This document expands on the topic, offering a comprehensive review of the techniques…

  • Cannabis, typologies and forms of analysis

    Cannabis, a plant with flowering features that grace many landscapes around the world, originates from Central Asia and parts of India. It has adapted to various environments globally, playing numerous roles in society and medicine. This text provides a comprehensive…

  • Fingerprints as evidence in an investigation

    Forensic analysis of prints and marks stands as one of the most intriguing and critical areas in criminal investigation. The ability to identify and analyze impressions left at a crime scene can be decisive in solving complex cases. This document…

  • Typology of firearms

    The study of firearms and ballistics is a critical specialization within forensic science, playing a vital role in solving crimes involving the use of weaponry. This discipline ranges from detailed analysis of weapons to exhaustive examination of projectile trajectories and…

  • Explosives investigation

    An explosion is a dramatic and often devastating event that occurs when a significant amount of energy is suddenly released. This phenomenon can result from a variety of chemical or physical reactions and is characterized by the instantaneous emission of…

  • Bloodstain analysis

    The study of bloodstains found at the scenes of violent crimes is more than mere observation; it is a science that uses principles of physics and biology to reveal the sequence of events leading to a crime. This analysis can…

  • Forensic photography

    Forensic photography, also known in some circles as crime scene photography, is a fundamental tool within the field of legal investigations. It goes beyond mere picture taking; it is a meticulous application of photographic methods and techniques specifically designed to…