Forensic Science International: Synergy最新文献

{"title":"Investigative and policy impacts of forensic genetic genealogy in the identification of human remains","authors":"Colby Lasyone ,&nbsp;Bruce Budowle ,&nbsp;Kristen Mittelman ,&nbsp;David Mittelman","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The identification of unidentified human remains (UHRs) is a humanitarian imperative and a critical step in many criminal investigations. Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) combines dense single nucleotide polymorphism testing with genealogical research to attempt to overcome the limitations of traditional forensic methods, particularly in cases involving degraded DNA or lacking reference samples. This study presents a retrospective analysis of 477 UHR cases from North America, all of which resulted in successful identifications. For each case, publicly reported data were analyzed to evaluate pre- and post-identification variables, including biological sex determination, manner of death classifications and case resolution status. Of note, FGG led to a change in manner of death from undetermined to homicide in 7.1 % of applicable cases, thus revealing instances of violent crime that would not have qualified for advanced genetic testing under current policy constraints. In homicide cases, 26.1 % resulted in charges, convictions, or were associated with deceased or serial offenders. These findings underscore the critical role of FGG in restoring identity as well as supporting investigations, uncovering violent crime, and advancing public safety. Yet, current federal policy restricts the use of FGG to cases where homicide already is suspected or determined as the manner of death, excluding many UHRs marked as “undetermined” or “unknown. This restriction risks overlooking solvable cases and delays justice. Expanding access to FGG would close a critical gap in forensic investigations and would deliver outcomes for victims, families, and communities while reinforcing the societal commitment to dignity, respect and accountability for the unknown.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100651"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"National Technology Validation and Implementation Collaborative (NTVIC): Updated guidelines for establishing Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) programs","authors":"Ray A. Wickenheiser (DPS Co-chair, Director) ,&nbsp;Jennifer Naugle (Co-chair, Deputy Administrator) ,&nbsp;Brian Hoey (Director) ,&nbsp;Rylene Nowlin ,&nbsp;Claire Glynn Ph.D ,&nbsp;Raymond Valerio (Assistant District Attorney) ,&nbsp;Lance Allen ,&nbsp;Stephanie Stoiloff (Chief) ,&nbsp;Jennifer Kochanski ,&nbsp;Mary Beth Schubert ,&nbsp;Melissa Haas ,&nbsp;Dixie Peters ,&nbsp;Rachel Oefelein ,&nbsp;Rockne Harmon ,&nbsp;Barbara Llewellyn Ph.D (Program Manager) ,&nbsp;Trisha Kacer ,&nbsp;Blake Patel ,&nbsp;Paul Panther (Special Deputy) ,&nbsp;Colleen Fitzpatrick ,&nbsp;Garry Bombard ,&nbsp;Tom Cober","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100593","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100593"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144501305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Compliance by code: The need for automated protocols in breath alcohol testing – case reports","authors":"Aaron Olson","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100648","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100648","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accuracy and reliability of forensic breath alcohol testing depends on adherence to established protocols for observation periods and operator responses to instrument status messages. This paper presents two case reports illustrating procedural errors following status messages produced by the DataMaster DMT breath alcohol analyzer. In both cases, operators failed to follow the required procedures after receiving messages indicating the presence of mouth alcohol or interfering substances. These cases demonstrate how operator discretion and failure to follow established protocols can result in unreliable or inadmissible results. The findings reinforce the need for automated software controls that eliminate operator discretion in breath alcohol testing procedures. Implementing automated protocols would enhance quality assurance, reduce legal challenges, and improve the scientific validity of breath alcohol testing in forensic contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100648"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in peri-urban and rural regions of central and southern Alberta. Part II - Dispersal patterns of forensically relevant vertebrate scavengers","authors":"Yvonne Kjorlien ,&nbsp;Dennis Dalziel ,&nbsp;Christopher J. Watson ,&nbsp;Shari L. Forbes","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recovering forensic evidence in dispersed scenarios is challenging because of the taphonomic influence of scavengers. This study aimed to observe how remains were dispersed by the scavenger guilds identified in Part 1 (Forbes et al., 2024) of a Canadian study, which include bears, canids, and magpies, and other possible environmental factors. Clothed pig carcasses (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) were placed in open- and closed-canopy habitats of peri-urban and rural regions of two major cities in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton). Four carcasses were deposited in each city in August 2021 and again in 2022, and a search to document and recover the remains was conducted 10–12 months after deposition. The mean recovery rates of skeletal elements were 22.5 % (2.0 %–66.9 %). Calgary rural open and closed environments had the largest maximum dispersal distances (60–70 m) which may be associated with the presence of grizzly bears and canid scavengers (coyotes and semi-wild dogs). There was no statistical difference in dispersal distances between open and closed habitats. Limbs were the most common skeletal element dispersed furthest. The results offer new and relevant information to organizations tasked with searching for human remains, especially remains that may have been scavenged and scattered from the original deposition site in an Albertan landscape.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100649"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Documentation of biological sex and gender in missing person investigations","authors":"Kristy A. Winter ,&nbsp;Callan Birkmann-Little","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper will discuss the current understanding of biological sex and gender, its limited recording and the subsequent implications on missing persons investigations. The current understanding of biological sex and gender on a binary is inaccurate and can be seen to be insufficient when recording biological sex and gender information about missing and unknown individuals. This understanding ignores intersex, trans and gender diverse individuals and consigns them to either fit the ‘normal’ binary definitions or else places them along a binary-based spectrum or in a ‘indeterminate’ category. This is unacceptable, unethical and harmful. Instead, biological sex and gender should not be seen as binary but diverse. The idea of sexual dimorphism should be replaced with an understanding of sexual polymorphism, and biological sex and gender should no longer be defined on a male-female binary, spectrum or scale, but explored on a multifactorial polygon and recorded as such. Cognitive and contextual biases have restricted gender and sexual based inclusion in the long-term recording as the binary has long been considered the ‘normal’. This has become a structural way to continue the violence against LGBTQIA2+ individuals, in addition to cis individuals, because everyone is affected by the imposed binary. This paper will highlight the issues associated with this ‘normal’, expose the limitations of a biological sex and gender binary in the recording forms (from a global sample of 170 forms), and suggest changes to further progress the understanding of polymorphism to improve inclusive recording in missing persons investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100652"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perls' Prussian blue staining and chemistry of Prussian blue and Turnbull blue","authors":"Ai Sonoda ,&nbsp;Masayuki Nihei ,&nbsp;Norihiro Shinkawa ,&nbsp;Eiji Kakizaki ,&nbsp;Nobuhiro Yukawa","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perls’ Prussian blue staining or reaction is used to detect haemosiderin, which is stored or sequestrated non-haeme iron. Methodologically, the iron in haemosiderin is released as Fe³⁺ (Fe^III) by hydrochloric acid (HCl), and Fe^III reacts with potassium ferrocyanide (K₄[Fe^II(CN)₆]) to form Prussian blue. Iron released from ferritin, another stored non-haeme iron, is too scarce to be detected. Haeme iron, including haemoglobin and cytochromes, is not released by HCl. Thus, haemosiderin can easily be detected under the microscope as distinct blue deposits with minimal background staining. The chemistry of cyanide-bridged iron complexes, including Prussian blue and Turnbull blue, is the basis for understanding Perls' staining. Prussian blue is a cubic lattice with Fe^II or Fe^III ions alternately aligned at the corners to give Fe^II–CN–Fe^III formations at the edges. Physicochemically, Prussian blue is soluble in water (dispersible as a colloid) or insoluble depending on how it is formed. As with Perls' staining, Prussian blue is expected to take a soluble form because of excess K₄[Fe^II(CN)₆] compared to Fe³⁺ released from tissues. Notably, Prussian blue used in Perls' staining does not in fact dissipate into the staining solution but remains on the tissue, rendering this a practical method for histological detection of haemosiderin and also exogenous iron of forensic significance. However, further examinations of its mechanisms are needed to evaluate the applicability of this method on various forensics cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100627"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forensic biobank; towards comprehensive forensic genetic frequency database for the Kenyan population","authors":"Eva K. Aluvaala Nambati ,&nbsp;Edward Muge ,&nbsp;Belinda Azzam ,&nbsp;Diana Maritim ,&nbsp;Ngure Kirosh ,&nbsp;Luna Kamau ,&nbsp;Solomon Mpoke ,&nbsp;Winfrida Cheriro ,&nbsp;Lewis Karani ,&nbsp;Martin Sang ,&nbsp;Abdiaziz Gosar ,&nbsp;Olipher Makwaga ,&nbsp;Lydia Eyase ,&nbsp;Herzel Tiffany Wandera ,&nbsp;Sharon Ariga ,&nbsp;James Nyabera ,&nbsp;Milka Mwangi ,&nbsp;Francis Kimani ,&nbsp;Wallace Bulimo","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100633","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100633","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic genetic frequency databases (FGFD) are used in estimating the probability of a DNA match in forensic investigations. They provide reference population data that can be used for statistical estimation for the rarity of a genotype, haplotype or a DNA profile in a population hence giving probative value for forensic evidence.</div><div>Currently, three FGFD databases are recommended by the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) for forensic use; the Y-Chromosome Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD), the EDNAP Mitochondrial DNA Population Database (EMPOP), and the STRs for Identity ENFSI Reference Database (STRidER).</div><div>There is need to generate updated and comprehensive genetic frequency data for the Kenyan population in compliance with ethical standards.</div><div>This study sought to develop a forensic biobank to facilitate generation of comprehensive genetic frequency data for the Kenyan population. A total of 893 samples were collected from study volunteers in compliance with prescribed ethical standards. The data set comprises 60.8 % Bantu, 24.9 % Nilotic, and 14.3 % Cushitic samples closely mirroring current population structure in Kenya. The samples are currently stored in duplicate as FTA cards and extracted DNA.</div><div>132 quality mitogenome reference data has been generated for the coastal region in Kenya. With the broad consent obtained, the resource will be used to generate additional mitogenome reference data for other geographical regions, Y-chromosome haplotype and autosomal STRs for inclusion in recommended forensic databases as per revised guidelines. With the emergence of new technologies in forensic genetics, we anticipate the resource will be valuable in forensic genetics validation studies in future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100633"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144721991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Errors in toxicology testing and the need for full discovery","authors":"Aaron Olson ,&nbsp;Charles Ramsay","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100629","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100629","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite toxicology's foundation in analytical chemistry and quantitative measurements, it remains vulnerable to errors that can impact criminal justice outcomes. This paper presents a review of notable errors in toxicology collected over a combined 48 years of field experience. We highlight cases of toxicology errors from across multiple jurisdictions, categorizing them by type: traceability errors, calibration errors, discovery violations, maintenance failures, source code defects, fraud, errors due to interfering substances, reporting errors, laboratory contamination, and chain of custody breaches.</div><div>Our analysis reveals that many errors persisted for years before detection, with some lasting over a decade. Discovery often came from external sources rather than internal quality controls. Errors ranged from technical failures to deliberate misconduct, affecting thousands of cases. Notable patterns include institutional resistance to disclosure, retaliation against whistleblowers, and systematic withholding of exculpatory evidence. The compilation demonstrates vulnerabilities in toxicology. Key reforms needed include transparency through online discovery portals, mandatory retention of digital data, independent laboratory accreditation, whistleblower protections, and regular third-party audits. By examining past errors, the forensic science community can develop policies to prevent similar mistakes and enhance both scientific integrity and the pursuit of justice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100629"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Legitimacy of investigative forensic genetic genealogy under Art. 8 ECHR","authors":"Oliver M. Tuazon,&nbsp;Bart Custers,&nbsp;Gerrit-Jan Zwenne","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100636","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100636","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Investigative forensic genetic genealogy (iFGG) was successfully used in the United States to solve the Golden State Killer case in 2018 and in Sweden to solve the Linköping double-murder case in 2020. However, further use of iFGG in Sweden was temporarily suspended due to concerns about its legitimacy. This article evaluates the legitimacy of iFGG within what we name, the European Court of Human Rights' (ECtHR) four-fold privacy test: the preliminary interference test, the lawfulness test, the legitimate aim test, and the proportionality test. The use of iFGG is an interference with an individual's right to respect for private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Its lawfulness requires the creation of an iFGG-enabling law or amendment of an existing law to allow iFGG use by law enforcement. Its legitimate aim—criminal identification through data derived from DNA deposited at crime scenes—falls squarely under Article 8 § 2 ECHR. The proportionality of its use largely depends on the provision of appropriate safeguards in an iFGG-enabling law that would protect genetic data privacy. Although iFGG is a powerful tool to help solve cold cases, it has to stand on a solid legal ground that allows its use while respecting the right to privacy. It should be able to withstand any legal challenge before the ECtHR in the future. The safeguards identified in this article, if incorporated in an iFGG-enabling law, hope to prevent such legal challenge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100636"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144860493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comment on “Abbreviated injury scale-guided assessment of traumatic deaths: postmortem CT versus autopsy”","authors":"Hinpetch Daungsupawong ,&nbsp;Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100626","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100626"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}