Forensic Science
Physical Description by DNA These digital models can be revisited long
after the physical crime scene has been
DNA phenotyping is a forensic technique
cleared, providing valuable reference for
that can predict physical characteristics
ongoing investigations.
from DNA evidence. Here are the main
traits that can be determined:
Eye color Advanced Chemical Analysis
Hair color and texture Modern forensic chemistry employs
sophisticated analytical techniques to
Skin tone
examine trace evidence. Key technologies
Face shape and features include:
Height estimation Mass spectrometry for precise chemical
Geographic ancestry identification
While this technology can provide Portable Raman spectroscopy for on-site
valuable investigative leads, it's important analysis
to note that these are predictions with Advanced chromatography techniques for
varying degrees of accuracy, not definitive complex mixture separation
identifications.
Microspectrophotometry for fiber and
paint analysis
3-D Crime Scene Mapping These methods provide highly accurate
3-D mapping technology in forensic results with minimal sample amounts.
science uses laser scanning and
photogrammetry to create detailed digital
Digital Forensics
reconstructions of crime scenes. This
allows investigators to: Digital forensics has evolved to handle
modern technological evidence:
Document crime scenes with millimeter
accuracy Cloud data recovery and analysis
Preserve spatial relationships between Social media forensics
evidence
Cryptocurrency transaction tracking
Create virtual walkthroughs for court
Mobile device data extraction
presentations
AI-powered data analysis
Calculate trajectories and blood spatter
patterns These tools help investigators navigate
the increasingly digital nature of evidence.
Reconstruct accident scenes
Advanced Imaging Technologies Key aspects include:
Modern forensic imaging includes: Analysis of autosomal DNA profiles
Hyperspectral imaging for detecting trace Cross-referencing with genetic genealogy
evidence databases
Alternative light source (ALS) Building family trees to identify potential
photography matches
Ground-penetrating radar for buried Working with genealogists to trace family
evidence histories
Thermal imaging for crime scene analysis This technique has helped solve
numerous cold cases and identify
These technologies reveal evidence
previously unknown victims.
invisible to the naked eye.
Portable DNA Analyzers
Virtual Autopsies (Virtopsies)
Rapid DNA analysis technology allows for
Virtual autopsies combine advanced
quick DNA processing at crime scenes:
imaging technologies with 3D
reconstruction to perform non-invasive Results available in under two hours
post-mortem examinations. Benefits
Sample processing without laboratory
include:
infrastructure
Non-destructive examination of remains
Field-deployable units for time-sensitive
3D documentation of injuries and cases
pathologies
Integration with DNA databases for
Cross-sectional imaging for internal immediate matching
examination
These devices are revolutionizing the
Digital preservation of findings speed of DNA-based investigations.
Religious and cultural sensitivity
This technology allows forensic Touch DNA Analysis
pathologists to examine bodies
Advanced techniques for analyzing
thoroughly while maintaining their
minimal DNA traces left by brief contact:
integrity, and provides compelling visual
evidence for court proceedings. Analysis of skin cells left on handled
objects
Enhanced sensitivity for minimal sample
Forensic Genetic Genealogy
quantities
This emerging field combines DNA
Processing of degraded or mixed DNA
analysis with traditional genealogical
samples
research to identify suspects or victims.
Application in property crimes and violent cutting-edge technology for more
offenses accurate firearm identification:
This technology has significantly 3D microscopy of bullet striations for
expanded the range of items that can precise matching
yield useful DNA evidence.
Automated comparison systems using
machine learning
Diatom Analysis High-speed imaging of bullet trajectory
reconstruction
Diatom analysis is a specialized forensic
technique primarily used in drowning Chemical residue analysis for firing
investigations. Diatoms are microscopic distance determination
algae with unique silica cell walls that can
These technologies provide more reliable
help determine:
evidence in firearm-related cases.
Whether a drowning occurred in fresh or
salt water
Microbiome Forensics
The specific location of drowning based
on local diatom species Analysis of microbial communities
provides new investigative tools:
If the victim was alive when entering the
water Individual identification through skin
microbiome patterns
Confirmation of genuine drowning versus
staged drowning Time of death estimation using
postmortem microbiome changes
The technique works because when a
person drowns, diatoms from the water Geographic origin determination through
enter the bloodstream through the lungs soil microbiota
and can be found in various organs. This Lifestyle and environment indicators from
evidence helps forensic investigators: bacterial signatures
Establish the cause of death This emerging field adds another layer of
Link victims to specific water bodies evidence in forensic investigations.
Determine if a body was moved after
death Quantum Dot Technology
The analysis requires specialized Quantum dots are being utilized in
microscopy and careful sample forensic science for:
preparation to identify and catalog the
diatom species present in tissue samples. Ultra-secure evidence tagging and
tracking
Enhanced fingerprint development on
Advanced Ballistics Analysis difficult surfaces
Modern ballistics analysis employs Trace evidence detection with
unprecedented sensitivity Automated facial recognition in
surveillance footage
Document authentication and anti-
counterfeiting measures Voice pattern matching and audio
authentication
This nanotechnology provides new
capabilities in evidence processing and Behavioral pattern analysis in digital
security. evidence
Complex relationship mapping in criminal
networks
AI-Powered Pattern Recognition
These AI tools help process large
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing
amounts of data quickly and identify
pattern analysis in forensics:
patterns human analysts might miss.
