DNA Data banks in India

Minister Prithviraj Chavan told the parliament that India will set up several DNA data banks at the national and state levels to strengthen forensic investigation, Science and Technology .

“The draft bill having provision for establishment of DNA data banks both at the national and state levels was circulated to the ministry of home affairs, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Central Bureau of Investigation, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Planning Commission, ministry of finance, department of science and technology, ministry of defence, legislative department of the ministry of law and justice, and the directorate of forensic science,” Chavan said.

"The department of biotechnology in association with the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, is in the process of piloting the human DNA profiling bill for parliamentary enactment to regulate various issues - establishment of DNA data bank, setting of standards, quality control, quality assurance"

What is a DNA Database?
A national DNA database is a government database of DNA profiles which can be used by law enforcement agencies to identify suspects of crimes.
The first government datatabase (NDNAD) was set up by the United Kingdom in April 1995. The second one was set up in New Zealand. France set up the FNAEG in 1998. In the USA, the FBI has organized the CODIS database. Originally intended for sex offenders, they have since been extended to include almost any criminal offender.

Mobile Forensics India

When cell phones or other cellular devices are involved in a crime or other incident, forensic examiners require tools that allow the proper retrieval and speedy examination of information present on the device. This report gives an overview of current forensic software, designed for acquisition, examination, and reporting of data discovered on cellular handheld devices, and an understanding of their capabilities and limitations.

Forensic Investigator must ensure the retrieval of data
without alteration!
– Imaging
• As most MS’s now have flash upgradeable Operating Systems, etc. this
is usually a straightforward process
• However, manufacturer’s are reluctant to provide access to the tools to
achieve this
• Independent tools known as Flashers are available for most
mainstream MS’s but have no recognised legal status in some parts of
the world.
– Data suites
• Provided by manufacturers
• Allow access to SMS/MMS, call registers, phonebooks, etc. as stored
on phone
• Cannot access memory directly

The Network Operators can provide detailed data on
calls made/received, message traffic, data transferred
and connection location/timing
• The HLR can provide;
– Customer name and address
– Billing name and address (if other than customer)
– User name and address (if other than customer)
– Billing account details
– Telephone Number (MSISDN)
– IMSI
– SIM serial number (as printed on the SIM-card)
– PIN/PUK for the SIM
– Subscriber Services allowed

For more on Mobile Forensics in India; We specialise in the extraction, analysis and presentation of data from mobile telephones, cellular networks and all forms of mobile computing communications technology...
Contact us for more information. Visit our Website for more Information
www.ifsr.in

FORENSIC VOICE ANALYSIS, INDIA

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said that a database containing voice samples of criminals and terrorists needs to be created to combat the world—wide menace of cross—border terrorism.

“The most burning problem the world is facing today is terrorism. Many countries are suffering from the menace of cross-border terrorism,” Mr. Modi said while inaugurating a meet ’To promote use of DNA, DVI (disaster victim identification) and Fingerprints’ organised by the Interpol for the SAARC countries at the Gujarat Forensic Science University.

“In all developed countries, most of the investigation are carried out using DNA profiling and fingerprinting. But in India we are yet to come out with a DNA Act for the country,” Mr. Modi said.

“I request all of you to deliberate on this issue of DNA profiling and fingerprinting and come out with certain suggestions which would be useful in framing the DNA Act for the country,” he added.

Well Mr Modi we would hope for the best now.

Forensic Odontology , India

Forensic Odontology
Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice.

Background

Forensic odontology is the study of dental applications in legal proceedings. The subject covers a wide variety of topics including individual identification, mass identification, and bite mark analysis. The study of odontology in a legal case can be a piece of incriminating evidence or an aspect of wide controversy. There have been many cases throughout history which have made use of bite marks as evidence. Bite marks are usually seen in cases involving sexual assault, murder, and child abuse and can be a major factor in leading to a conviction.

College of Dental Surgery, India
Department of Forensic Odontology
The department of Forensic Odontology was established in May 2002. While the first year (2002-03) saw the setting up of a separate department, over the past academic year the department has been involved in revising, improving and updating the syllabus in the same. An integrated approach to teach Forensic Dentistry with Forensic Medicine was undertaken. All resources are currently being mobilized to set up an exclusive laboratory in forensic dentistry

http://dental.bpkihs.edu/fo.php


Forensic Dental Books
http://www.forensicdentistryonline.org/new_asfo/books.htm

Forensic Experts India

What do Forensic Experts do?
Forensic scientists perform two roles in their work. One is to analyze physical evidence found either on a victim, at the scene of a crime, or both and to compare it to evidence found on the suspect. The other is to provide expert testimony in a court of law. This article describes what forensic scientists do, where they work, what they earn, and how they train. It also provides sources of additional information.

Forensic science draws on, and brings together, many scientific disciplines. Chemical tests, identification of hair, blood, dirt, cloth fibres - DNA testing, microscopy, spectroscopic analysis, forensic psychology and forensic medicine - all contribute to integrated analysis of a crime and the physical evidence left at a crime scene. While forensic science has been a feature of many schools’ senior multi-strand science, it can also be a real-life context for learning in the other senior sciences - and it can certainly be a stimulating and life-like context for learning science in all the years of schooling.

A forensic scientist may perform the following tasks:

identify illicit drugs
analyse drugs and poisons in human tissue and body fluids including blood alcohol results
examine and compare materials such as fibres, paints, cosmetics, oils, petrol, plastics, glass, metals, soils and gunshot residues
examine items of human and animal biological material to be compared with victims and suspects using DNA profiling
conduct botanical identification of plant materials at trace levels, and whole-plant identification such as cannabis
conduct document examinations, both physical (e.g. handwriting, typewriting) and chemical (e.g. analysis of inks and papers)
examine crime scenes
identify firearms and ammunition (forensic ballistics)
detect, enhance, recover and identify latent fingerprints, footprints, tool marks, shoe marks, tyre marks and tracks
examine fire and explosion scenes to establish the origin and cause
enhance and analyse audio recordings
produce reports, appear in court and present scientific and/or opinion testimony accurately and in a manner which is readily understood by the court
make presentations to a wide variety of audiences on the work of forensic scientists
liaise with, and provide advice to, police investigators, scientists and pathologists across a broad range of disciplines.

For more Information on Forensic Experts In India

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Cyber Forensics India

Cyber forensics can be defined as the process of extracting information and data from computer storage media and guaranteeing its accuracy and reliability. The challenge of course is actually finding this data, collecting it, preserving it, and presenting it in a manner acceptable in a court of law.

Status In India
According to Praveen Dalal*, the Leading Techno-Legal ICT, Cyber Law, Cyber Security and Cyber Forensics Specialist of India, “Computer Forensics or Cyber Forensics in India has started gaining importance out of the necessity to deal with modern cyber crimes. Though India has taken some steps in the direction of enacting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related law in the form of Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000), yet by and large it failed to provide a sound and secure law in this crucial direction. The result is too obvious. India has to depend upon foreign experts and institutions/universities even for the task of tracing an offender sending an offensive e-mail”.

Why society needs Cyber Forensics pros
Cyber Forensics is a new and developing field, which can be described as the study of digital evidence resulting from an incidence of crime. The science involves the investigation and a computer to determine the potential of legal evidence. It helps create preventive intelligence and threat monitoring besides post incident investigations.


Live v. Dead Forensics
Cyber Forensics may be live or dead. Traditionally, Cyber Forensics was performed after pulling the plug and then subsequently imaging the media under investigation. The contemporary practice is to perform live analysis to get useful volatile data that is lost the moment a computer is turned off or after the pulling of the plug.

Careers in Cyber Forensics
For those of you, excited by the prospect of investigating cyber crime, tracking criminals, hackers and the like, Cyber Forensics would be the right choice. However, the knowledge areas to be mastered by a trained professional include computer security, crime prevention techniques and understanding the emerging trends in technology abuse in virtual space. This article guides you on the intriguing domain of Cyber Forensics and career options on offer.

Opportunities in Cyber Forensics
A Cyber Forensics professional is required to gather electronic evidence of misuse of computer networks and provide evidence in a court of law to bring the culprits to justice. A Cyber Forensics pro is sought by both public as well as private sector. In the public sector, people are mostly absorbed in law enforcement agencies like cyber crime cells, state forensics departments and central agencies like the CBI. In the private sector, it's the information that is of paramount importance for the enterprises, and so they require professionals to safeguard their data from being stolen and misused and also preserve them from hackers. Additionally, there are specialist companies that work on ethical hacking, Cyber Forensics and IT security. A budding Cyber Forensics expert can start his career as a cyber analyst or engineer for an enterprise after gaining experience and domain knowledge can proceed to niche areas in Cyber Forensics. Also, professionals can divert to freelancing and become independent security consultants.

Forensic Pathology, India

Forensic pathology is a branch of pathology concerned with determining the cause of death by examination of a corpse. The autopsy is performed by the pathologist at the request of a coroner or medical examiner usually during the investigation of criminal law cases and civil law cases in some jurisdictions. Forensic pathologists are also frequently asked to confirm the identity of a corpse

The forensic investigation of death is a multi-disciplinary activity, involving the collaboration between pathologists, crime scene investigators (CSIs), forensic scientists, and other specialists, such as anthropologists, entomologists, odontologists (dentists) and many other experts.

Autopsy findings are combined with the results of other investigations, including the microscopic examination of organs and tissues removed at autopsy, toxicological analyses (of blood and urine, for example), and correlated with the available clinical or medical history of the deceased, as well as the circumstances of their death, in order to answer questions relating to their death.

The issues raised by a death may include:
identification of the deceased,
the medical cause of death,
the interpretation of injuries, and
the manner of death (in some jurisdictions), i.e. accident, suicide or homicide

Forensic Psychology, India

Forensic psychology is one of the fastest growing areas of psychology as suggested both by an increase in the practice of clinical psychology within our legal system and the increasing interest expressed by undergraduate and graduate students.
Forensic Psychology is one of the blooming subjects in the field of forensic science.

AREAS covered by a forensic psychologist:
- Eye witness testimony
- How to improve interrogation method
- Child custody evaluation
- Child abuse and evaluation
- Evaluation of adoption readiness
- Mediation of parental conflicts
- Parent – child family counseling
- parenting skill training
- Anger management
- divorce adjustment counseling for adults and kids
- Personal injury evaluation
- assessing the emotional factors in sexual harassment and discrimination
- can help in designing connectional facilities and prisons
- Treatment of mentally ill offenders
- consulting with attorney in analyzing criminal intent
- Evaluation of juvenile accused of crime
- Pre sentencing evaluation of adult or juvenile
- providing counseling for victims of crimes
- Counseling for individuals awaiting trial
- Counseling for those who violate law and order, juvenile delinquents, etc
- dealing Clinical issues such as – Anxiety, Phobia, Anger management, adjustment, desensitization, chronic pain, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc

Best Places to pursue:

* University of Delhi
* University of Karnataka

Institutions Offering Forensic Psychology:
NIMHANS Bangalore (India)
National Institute of Criminology and Forensic science
Amity, a private University in New Delhi
Dr Harising Gour University
Karnataka University
Bundel khand University
National Institute of criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi
Dharwad, Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology

Forensic DNA Analysis

Forensic DNA analysis is used to identify individuals using genetic samples. Basically, the system uses a set of identifying numbers to match two different samples. The concept was first designed by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in 1985. Today, it is a standard practice in conducting investigations for crimes such as murder and rape.

Some Examples of DNA Uses for Forensic Identification

Identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes
Exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes
Identify crime and catastrophe victims
Establish paternity and other family relationships
Identify endangered and protected species as an aid to wildlife officials (could be used for prosecuting poachers)
Detect bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air, water, soil, and food
Match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs
Determine pedigree for seed or livestock breeds
Authenticate consumables such as caviar and wine

History of Forensic DNA Analysis
DNA typing, since it was introduced in the mid-1980s, has revolutionized forensic science and the ability of law enforcement to match perpetrators with crime scenes. Thousands of cases have been closed and innocent suspects freed with guilty ones punished because of the power of a silent biological witness at the crime scene.

'DNA fingerprinting' or DNA typing (profiling) as it is now known, was first described in 1985 by an English geneticist named Alec Jeffreys. Dr. Jeffreys found that certain regions of DNA contained DNA sequences that were repeated over and over again next to each other. He also discovered that the number of repeated sections present in a sample could differ from individual to individual. By developing a technique to examine the length variation of these DNA repeat sequences, Dr. Jeffreys created the ability to perform human identity tests.

How DNA Profiling Helps to Solve Crimes
DNA profiling or fingerprinting was developed in 1984 by British geneticist Sir Alec Jeffreys and first used in forensic science to convict Colin Pitchfork in the 1988 Enderby murders case.

A DNA fingerprint is the same for every cell, tissue and organ of a person. This DNA fingerprint cannot be altered by any known treatment.

It makes sense that DNA evidence has become such a powerful crime solving tool because no person's DNA fingerprint is the same except for identical twins. This means that DNA collected from a crime scene can either link a suspect to the evidence or eliminate them which is why accurate DNA fingerprinting is critical as a crime solving tool.



Collecting DNA Evidence at a Crime Scene
DNA evidence can be collected from virtually anywhere at a crime scene. DNA has helped solve many cases when imaginative investigators collected evidence from non-traditional sources:

A masked rapist was convicted of forced oral copulation when his victim's DNA fingerprint matched DNA evidence swabbed from him.
Many cases have been solved by DNA analysis of saliva on cigarette butts, postage stamps, rims of cups and glasses.
DNA analysis of a single hair found deep in the victim's throat provided a critical piece of evidence to solve the crime and apprehened the criminal.

DNA Forensics Databases

National DNA Databank: CODIS

The COmbined DNA Index System, CODIS, blends computer and DNA technologies into a tool for fighting violent crime. The current version of CODIS uses two indexes to generate investigative leads in crimes where biological evidence is recovered from the crime scene. The Convicted Offender Index contains DNA profiles of individuals convicted of felony sex offenses (and other violent crimes). The Forensic Index contains DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence. All DNA profiles stored in CODIS are generated using STR (short tandem repeat) analysis.

Some Interesting Uses of DNA Forensic Identification

Identifying September 11th Victims
Identifying the victims of the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack presented a unique forensic challenge because the number and identity of the victims were unknown and many victims were represented only by bone and tissue fragments. At the time of the attack, no systems were in place for rapidly identifying victims in disasters with more than 500 fatalities. The National Institutes of Justice assembled a panel of experts from the National Institutes of Health and other institutions to develop processes to identify victims using DNA collected at the site. Panel members produced forms and kits needed to enable the medical examiner’s office to collect reference DNA from victims’ previously stored medical specimens. These specimens were collected and entered into a database. The medical examiner's office also received about 20,000 pieces of human remains from the World Trade Center site, and a database of the victims’ DNA profiles was created.

To avoid contamination of evidence that may contain DNA, always take the
following precautions:
Wear gloves. Change them often.
Use disposable instruments or clean
them thoroughly before and after handling
each sample.
Avoid touching the area where you believe
DNA may exist.
Avoid talking, sneezing, and coughing
over evidence.
Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth
when collecting and packaging evidence.
Air-dry evidence thoroughly before
packaging.
Put evidence into new paper bags or
envelopes, not into plastic bags. Do not
use staples.

Forensic Anthropology, India

What is Forensic Anthropology?
Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology (the study of the human skeleton) in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are in the advanced stages of decomposition

Forensic Anthropology is Used:
Forensic anthropology is normally used when evidentiary remains are found that indicate a crime did or may have occurred. Sometimes, when old buildings are torn down or when old sections of a town are converted for whatever purpose remains will be found among the ruins. Forensic anthropologists are brought in to thoroughly investigate the scene. With the use of forensic anthropology, they can often determine whether or not a crime was committed, and if there was in fact a crime, forensic anthropology can then be used to solve it. While much of what is commonly seen on television is as much fantasy as it is reality, many aspects of forensic anthropology are growing exponentially.


Course Requirements:
A Science background at the +2 level is preferred for a B.Sc. programme in Anthropology. One must have a M.Sc. degree in order to get an entry level job in the field.Almost all established universities in India offer B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Anthropology. These include the Universities of Delhi, Allahabad, Garhwal, Kolkata, Vishwabharti, Vidyasagar, Utkal, Sambalpur, Manipur, Dibrugarh, etc.

Nature of Work:
Basically, Anthropologists are academics who are usually employed by universities to research in their areas of specialisation. Most of the work involves writing, editing, fieldwork, teaching, consulting other professionals and presenting papers. To become an expert on a particular region or culture, you have to spend years of hardwork in study in often remote locations.

List of Institutions offering B.A/B.Sc./M.A./M.Sc in Anthropology in India
Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam - 530 003
Bangalore University, Bangalore - 560 056
Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur, Distt, Ganjam, Orissa - 760 007
Dibrugharh University, Dibrugarh, Assam
Dr.Hari Singh Gour Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gour Nagar, Sagar, MP
Guwahati University, PO, Gopinath Bordili Nagar, Guwahati, Assam
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh
Karnataka University, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka
Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur
Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar - 522 510
North Eastern Hill University, Shillong - 793 002
North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon - 425 002
Pt.Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur-492 010
Pune University, Pune - 411 007
Punjab University, Paliala - 147 002
Punjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, Punjab
Ranchi University, Ranchi, Ranchi - 834 001
Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Orissa
Siddhu Kanhu University, Dumka - 814 101
Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupati, Chittor District, AP
University of Allahabad, Allahabad - 211 002
University of Calcutta, Senate House, 87, College Street, Calcutta, West Bengal
University of Delhi, Delhi - 110 007
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad - 500 046
University of Mumbai, Mumbai - 400 001
University of Mysore, Mysore - 570 005
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004
Utkal University, PO Vani Vihar, Bhubaneshwar Orissa-4
Vidya Sagar University, PO Midnapore, West Bengal
Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh - 825 301
Visva-Bharati, PO Santiniketan-731 235

Salary: The basic Salary of Forensic Anthropology starts at about Rs6000pm.

Forensic Pharmacy - India

What is Forensic Pharmacy?Forensic pharmacy overlaps with the criminal justice system and other branches of forensics. Forensic pharmacists play an integral role in legal cases relating to malpractice, drunk and drugged driving and adverse side effects of certain drugs.

Job Description
Forensic pharmacists apply medication sciences to legal issues, meaning the nature of their work entails anything from litigation to the criminal justice system. They make be asked to testify in court, consult with lawyers or law enforcement officials and engage in any other type of work that bridges medication and the legal system

Education
Prospective forensic pharmacists must obtain a degree in pharmacy, either a master of science degree or a doctoral-level degree called a PharmD. The coursework relevant to a pharmacy degree program typically includes basic nutrition, general chemistry, infectious disease, calculus/mathematics for the life sciences, microbiology, organic chemistry and survey of pathology, to name a few. While pursuing this degree, a student can elect to concentrate in forensic pharmacy.

Free Downloads of Forensic Pharmacy Books:
http://freedownloadbooks.net/forensic-pharmacy-by-mithal-pdf.html


Courses Offered in India:

Banaras Hindu University-BHU
http://bhu.ac.in/

At Bits Pilani
http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/courses/coursedescriptions/body_pha.html

The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University
http://www.tnmmu.ac.in/

Interesting Facts about Forensic Entomology

Flies taste, smell, and feel with the hairs that cover their bodies. The hairs on the fly’s mouthparts and feet are used for tasting. Flies taste what they walk on.


When writing the name of true flies, which are in the order Diptera, use the word ‘fly’ in a separate word; blow fly. When writing the name of other insects with the word ‘fly’ in their name, write one word; firefly.

Flies use other hairs to tell them when they touch something. These hairs bend when touched.

The eyes of a fly do not have eyelids, so flies rub their eyes with their feet to keep them clean.

A fly cleans itself constantly.

There are 120,000 species of flies.

After studying 300,000 flies, researchers concluded that an average fly carries 2 million bacteria on its body.

The dehydrated larvae of the Polypedilum vanderplanki (a type of fly) were able to withstand exposure to liquid helium (-270 degrees Celsius) for up to five minutes with a one hundred percent survival rate.

Polypedilum vanderplanki breed in small pools on unshaded rocks in northern Nigeria and Uganda where they withstand an environment, which is alternately dry and
flooded. Polypedilum vanderplanki is the only insect definitely known to survive drying to <3% moisture.

A fly beats its wings 200 times a second, three times faster than a hummingbird.

According to researchers, the favourite colour of flies is red, followed by orange, black, violet, green, blue, white and yellow.

Fly eggs hatch into maggots within 24 hours.

The dung beetle lays its eggs in a ball of dung and then buries it. They can quickly and effectively dispose of piles of animal faeces before the flies have a chance to start breeding in it.

Several species of dung beetle have been introduced into Australia and they are proving to be very effective at controlling the fly problem.

Growing role of Forensic Science

The first recorded evidence of the use of forensic science is contained in a book produced in Song dynasty China in 1248.

Hsi Duan Yu (Washing Away of Wrongs) details how an investigator established that a particular sickle was used to kill a murder victim by testing different blades on animal carcasses and comparing the wounds.

In more recent times forensic science has become a greatly specialised field, with many disciplines involved besides genetics, including:

Classification of Forensic Science: (Widely Used)

Anthropology: Forensic anthropologists, often working with pathologists, as seen on TV shows such as CSI and Silent Witness, study badly decomposed remains to work out age, sex, height and ancestry, as well as investigating signs of trauma or disease.



Entomology: The study of insects, which helps establish issues such as time and place of death, using information such as the gestation period of species which lay eggs on dead bodies.



Palynology: Detailed knowledge of pollen types and distribution can help establish time and location of death, and whether a body has been moved.



Toxicology: A variety of techniques are used to detect the presence in a body of any of a wide range of poisons, chemicals and drugs.

Fourteen Characteristics of a Serial Killer

Could you be raising a criminal? Acts of violence don't come out of nowhere, and every parent should be aware of the clues along the way. For the most violent of criminals, there are warning signs that often start in childhood. Below is a list of the 14 most common traits of serial killers.

1. Over 90 percent of serial killers are male.
2. They tend to be intelligent, with IQ's in the "bright normal" range.
3. They do poorly in school, have trouble holding down jobs, and often work as unskilled laborers.
4. They tend to come from markedly unstable families.
5. As children, they are abandoned by their fathers and raised by domineering mothers.
6. Their families often have criminal, psychiatric and alcoholic histories.
7. They hate their fathers and mothers.
8. They are commonly abused as children — psychologically, physically and sexually. Often the abuse is by a family member.
9. Many serial killers spend time in institutions as children and have records of early psychiatric problems.
10. They have high rates of suicide attempts.
11. From an early age, many are intensely interested in voyeurism, fetishism, and sado-masochistic pornography.
12. More than 60 percent of serial killers wet their beds beyond the age of 12.
13. Many serial killers are fascinated with fire starting.
14. They are involved with sadistic activity or tormenting small creatures.
Source: Internal Association of Forensic Science, an article written by FBI Special Agent Robert K. Ressler
"The Serial Killer," Harold Schechter

C.S.I.: High school

John Odgren, currently on trial for allegedly murdering a fellow student at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, was known for his fascination with violence. He fashioned himself as “Jack,” a character from his favorite Stephen King novel. Odgren loved to play violent video games and had a keen interest in knives.

Odgren’s fascination went further than just a hobby. His obsession with all things violent was so intense that he attended a forensic-themed summer program and took a high school course in forensics, both in the months just prior to the homicide with which he is charged. Not only did the class satisfy part of his academic requirements, but it surely satisfied his passion for the dark side of the human condition. This is not to suggest that the young defendant was inspired to take his lessons much too far--only that C.S.I.-type instruction may have reinforced his existing fascination with violence.



John Odgren in 2007 (File Photo)
Lincoln-Sudbury High is but one of the countless schools around the country that have adopted academic curricula focused on the interplay between science and the law. In recent years, high schools and even middle schools have exploited their students’ morbid fascination as a strategy for spoon feeding them science--to make chemistry, biology and other fields more palatable.


Read this Entire Blog at Crime and Punishment

Aerial images in forensic studies

A technique that shows evidence of animals buried beneath green spaces decades ago could be used to help find human remains.

"Hyperspectral imaging" analyses visible and infrared images taken by aircraft and detects changes in vegetation caused by nutrients released from decomposing bodies.

Forensic archaeologists from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, tested the technique at a Quebec safari park and detected differences in chlorophyll content of plants growing on known burial sites. The findings, presented at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting in February, were reported in New Scientist.

A UK forensic archaeologist, Ian Hanson of the University of Bournemouth, said the method could help find mass graves in war zones.

His team has researched how maggots feeding on buried carcasses can raise soil temperature enough to be detected by infrared, even when the body has lost its own heat.

A Really ODD Solution

For anyone who has spent a significant amount of time in an urban setting, the scene of a bomb squad responding to a report of a suspicious package might be all too familiar. But just how is it determined that the lunchbox left under the park bench is just leftovers - or a lethal weapon? The most common way is spectroscopy.

"Spectroscopy is good, but it only gets you so far," says Eric Houser, a program manager in the Explosives Division of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). The wave of the future may lie in a technology called optimal dynamic detection (ODD), which overcomes many of spectroscopy's limitations.

Spectroscopy uses the color spectrum to shed light on a package's makeup. Since it uses visible light only, spectroscopy can't see through a lunchbox, but what it can see is microscopic residue on the box's outer layer, which can provide telltale clues about what's inside.

Using spectroscopy, bomb squad personnel will beam a laser at the package, then compare the reflected "light signature"-an optical fingerprint-against a library of known signatures for chemical compounds, such as nitroglycerin. If there is nitro inside, chances are that some of it will be found in the package's residue.

This method presents two problems. First, there's distance. Many threat detection methods require either the person or the detector to be physically near the bomb, making spectroscopy extremely dangerous.

Second, approaches like spectroscopy, which rely on reflected light, often are not sensitive or selective enough, especially in the real world where chemical signatures may overlap or be contaminated. Think of light signatures as fingerprints. Capturing a fingerprint from a clean surface is not especially difficult. But in real life, surfaces are anything but clean, and dust, grease, or even ink stains can cause a backpack or lunch pail to bear small deposits of several different chemicals, each with a unique optical fingerprint. To minimize false alarms, a detector must be both sensitive and selective.

Source: Forensic Report

Read the entire article here :)

Forensic DNA blow to commercial whaling proposals

Proposals to resume commercial whaling have been dealt a blow by DNA detective work showing that restaurants in the US and South Korea illegally sold whale meat from Japan.

In June, Japan, Iceland and Norway are expected to ask the International Whaling Commission (IWC) for permission to resume commercial whaling. They say they can prevent smuggling by matching the DNA of whale meat sold in markets to a register of all legally caught whales. But all have refused to make their DNA registers public.

To find out the origin of whale meat being sold outside Japan, Scott Baker of Oregon State University in Corvallis and colleagues secretly took samples from two restaurants, one in Santa Monica, California, and another in Seoul, South Korea.

They compared the DNA with that from samples bought in Japan, and found that they came from the same animals – proving that meat from whales hunted in Japan's scientific programme have been illegally sold abroad. The findings resulted in police raids on the restaurants last month.

Read this Article here:NewScientist

IFO TURNS ONE TODAY!! :)

Dear All,

IFO turns one today on April,13, 2010!!

We are glad to announce that today April, 13, 2010 is the day we celebrate our one year of existence. Ifo Forensic Standards and Research Pvt Ltd have come across a young class of Forensic Experts who have been in a continuous stride to bring its forensic objectives in the limelight.

We have Launched our Celebration Issue of IFSR Times;E-Magazine- "Forensic Silhouette" on this auspicious occasion.

Please visit the following link to the E-Mag.

http://www.ifsr.in/press/

Thank you one and all for your continuous support.


--
Regards,
IFO Forensic Experts
IFSR Pvt Ltd. Delhi. India
Contact:011-26320016
Web: www.ifsr.in

One in four DNA profiles could be of innocents

At least one in four DNA profiles being collected by the police are for innocent people, a study has suggested.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information show that of 4,668 DNA profiles obtained by Cumbria police between December 2008 and January this year 1,319 people – or 28 per cent – had no further action taken against them. However only 12 profiles have since been deleted.
The picture is very different in Scotland. Strathclyde Police collected 19,197 profiles over the same period, of which 6,856 (36 per cent) were for people who were subsequently not convicted. All those profiles have been deleted.

The two forces were the only ones among the 49 covering England, Wales and Scotland who said they were able to supply figures for how many innocent people were being kept on the database.

The remaining forces claimed it would require too much work to compare DNA files with records on the Police National Computer, which would show the outcome of arrests.
Campaign group Big Brother Watch, which submitted the FOI request, warned that under current system it is virtually impossible to comply with new laws, required under the European human rights rules, that demand records of innocent people be removed after six months.

Dylan Sharpe, campaign director of Big Brother Watch, said: "Up to a third of DNA profiles added each year belong to people who have never committed a crime, yet the system currently being used in England and Wales makes it virtually impossible for the police to delete innocent profiles from the National Database.

"This contravenes the European Court ruling and represents a significant intrusion into our personal privacy.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Amazing killer blast clues from British scientist's breakthrough

AMAZING forensic research pioneered in Britain is being used to track down Taliban bombers - by the fingerprints found on their devices AFTER they've blown up.

Dr John Bond, a researcher at the University of Leicester, developed the technique to uncover prints from blast shrapnel and bomb casings.

It means allied troops in Afganistan can now establish exactly who made a deadly improvised explosive device - then hunt out their hiding places.

The technique is already used worldwide to help identify suspects in cold case murder investigations by analysing bullet shell casings.

Now the US Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) has adopted it in Iraq and Afghanistan to build up a database of the bombers who have killed hundreds of troops and military personnel with their crude, home-made roadside bombs.

Tests were first carried out in Iraq, to check if the Middle East's climate would cause problems to prints left by marines on brass and copper. Dr Bond explained: "By applying an electric charge to metal coated in a fine conducting powder, like that used in photocopiers, we can get a detailed print.

Source: News of the world

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UGC Test For Junior Research Fellowship And Eligibility for Lectureship in June, 2010

Date of UGC NET examination: 27.06.2010

Date of UGC NET Notification : 28th March 2010

i) Last date for Applying On-Line 26-4-2010

ii) Last date for receiving the print out of online Application Form (2 copies) , Attendance Slip and Admission Card at the respective test centres (with fee receipt & category certificate(s) ).

Print out of online application form sent directly to the UGC office will not be entertained. 30.04.2010

It is notified that the next UGC-NET for Junior Research fellowship and eligibility for Lectureship will be held on 27th June, 2010 (Sunday)in Humanities, Social Sciences (including languages), Computer Science and Applications and Electronic Science etc.
The candidates who desire to appear in the test may see the detailed notification to be published in the employment news . The same is also available ton the UGC website www.ugc.ac.in.
The candidates are advised to download the above-mentioned notification along with the application form from the UGC website.
The last date for submission of the Online application form at UGC-NET centres is 26.04.2010

Drug Testing: New Test Recognizes Sample Contamination

Originally published on TheHorse.com

Equine forensic scientists from Pennsylvania have developed a novel assay for equine blood and urine samples to identify racehorses and ensure that the samples destined for drug testing were handled appropriately.

Blood and urine samples collected from racehorses by Commission employees (witnessed by the horse trainer or representative,) are sometimes challenged for breaches in the chain of custody. For example, contamination of equine samples with human samples has been reported. To confirm the source of a blood or urine sample and to minimize disputes over sample handling, a novel genetic test called the "24-plex STR" was developed.

The technique involves analyzing pieces of genetic material called short tandem repeats (STRs). These sections of DNA are amplified and analyzed to either match or exclude a match from a single blood or urine sample using 24 different STRs, including three human STRs.

Researchers tested the technique in 90 Thoroughbred and 171 Standardbred horses. According to the scientists, "the method was highly discriminating and reproducible with a probability of false identification of 1 in 1011 in Thoroughbreds and 1 in 1013 in Standardbreds.

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