Forensic Science International: Synergy最新文献

{"title":"Familial Searching utilising the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa (NFDD-ZA) to aid in the identification of Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains","authors":"M. Singh,&nbsp;J.H. Smith,&nbsp;K. Ehlers","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains (MPUHR) remains a significant challenge in South Africa. While primary and secondary identification methods, such as DNA kinship analysis, are routinely used, these approaches often depend on the availability of close biological relatives and do not always result in positive identifications. This has prompted the need to explore alternative identification strategies. The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, 2013 provides for the use of DNA analysis not only in criminal investigations but also in the identification of MPUHR. Notably, the Act permits familial searching within the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa (NFDD-ZA), yet this capability remains underutilized for humanitarian identification purposes (1). This study investigates the feasibility of employing familial searching using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) platform to support the identification of MPUHR. Case studies were used to evaluate key variables such as DNA typing chemistries, the number and type of biological relatives required, and the effect of genetic anomalies (e.g., tri-allelic patterns) on match accuracy. Findings from this study indicate that familial searching in NFDD-ZA can be successfully conducted with Global Filer™ STR profiles in accordance with the DNA Act and DNA regulations thus familial searching can be used as a routine tool for the identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains by the South African Police Service (SAPS).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100646"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145520008","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":"Fast DNA reports for investigative leads in casework practice: An automated workflow for mixture analysis using database searching based on probabilistic genotyping","authors":"Corina C.G. Benschop,&nbsp;Martin Slagter,&nbsp;Laurens J.W. Grol,&nbsp;Pauline Hovers,&nbsp;Jord H.A. Nagel,&nbsp;Sophie Smit,&nbsp;Francisca E. Duijs,&nbsp;Alexander L.J. Kneppers","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100632","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100632","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Fast DNA Identification Line (Fast ID Line) is a series of software solutions automating the process of DNA profile analysis, contamination checks, comparison with reference profiles, elimination and criminal DNA database comparison, report generation and dissemination of results to law enforcement. The Fast ID Line v1.0 focussed on identifying candidates that could be contributors to single-source profiles or major contributors to mixed DNA profiles.</div><div>In this paper, the Fast ID Line was extended to automatically report on mixture profiles with up to four contributors. This software, v2.0, includes extended profile analysis rules, a machine learning model for number of contributors estimation and a probabilistic genotyping model for database searching. Suitability criteria were established for the automatically analysed DNA profiles and reporting of the results.</div><div>End-to-end testing using casework data demonstrated that the Fast ID Line v2.0: 1) delivered &gt;80 % of DNA reports within three working days, 2) retrieved 1.9-fold more candidates compared to v1.0 (304 vs 162/777 database searches), and 3) reported 72 % of candidates that were reported in the manual casework workflow.</div><div>Police and public prosecution across the Netherlands now make use of the Fast ID Line reports with investigative leads. The automated reports are quickly available, allowing law enforcement to act on DNA findings for intelligence purposes before receiving the expert report. Additional information was provided in only 33% of the expert reports. This indicates that, in the majority of cases, the Fast ID Line results only require a confirmation check by a DNA expert, saving valuable time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100632"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144779502","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":"Canadian correctional program officers facilitating programming for sex offenders: The stickiness of stigma","authors":"Rosemary Ricciardelli ,&nbsp;Dale Spencer ,&nbsp;Micheal P. Taylor","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The stigma of being convicted (or suspected) of sex–related offenses is long recognized, resulting in people being viewed as being the most abhorrent of offenders. Sex offenders (SOs) have been studied, as well as the parole and correctional officers who work with them. Yet, despite their centralized role in prisoner rehabilitation, correctional program officers (CPOs) facilitating programs to SOs have yet to be examined in relation to their interpretations of SOs and of prison culture around SOs. Drawing on interviews with 12 CPOs who have delivered SO-focused programming to groups of SOs exclusively, we unpack the stigma and label of SOs in institutions and the community, the perceived implications of stigmatization on SO and CPOs, and on their ability to complete programs safely and successfully. Our findings reveal i) SOs remain stigmatized with repercussion for reintegration opportunities; ii) SOs remain at the bottom of the prisoner hierarchy; iii) SOs require support to physically attend programs; and iv) the SO stigma sticks to people facilitating sex offender programs. Findings are discussed in relation to stigma theories but also considerations for program delivery and CPO education and wellness are put forth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100639"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026348","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":"Pathophysiological hypotheses of the triad in abusive infant shaking: A systematic review and analysis of corroborated cases","authors":"Ingemar Thiblin ,&nbsp;Carl Johan Wingren ,&nbsp;Jacob Andersson Emad ,&nbsp;Fredrik Tamsen","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhages, and encephalopathy are associated with the medical diagnosis of abusive head trauma. These findings have also been observed in children exposed to admitted or witnessed shaking. There are various suggested mechanisms behind these findings. One mechanism is exclusive to intentional shaking, while the other suggested mechanisms are compatible with both intentional and accidental violence as well as an underlying illness.</div><div>We performed a systematic literature review of case reports on triad findings with subsequent analysis on the empirical consequences of three mechanistic hypotheses: (1) the outcome components arise independently following acceleration-deceleration forces during shaking; (2) the outcome components are partially dependent and caused by pathophysiological mediators following hypoxia caused by damage to the brainstem or cervical spinal cord by shaking; (3) the outcome factors are partially dependent and are caused by re-bleeding triggered by shaking in chronic subdural hematoma.</div><div>From a total of 9628 articles, we identified twelve publications including in total 100 cases that met the inclusion criteria. We identified no sufficiently detailed case report, but nine cases had information that allowed for tentative testing of the hypotheses. Three cases had findings consistent with that triad findings are partially dependent and related to chronic subdural re-bleeding (hypothesis 3), whereas no case provided support for the other hypotheses. Thus, published cases do not provide the information needed to understand the mechanism underlying triad findings in infants subjected to shaking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100618"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144513730","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":"Legislation for forensic investigative genetic genealogy in Sweden","authors":"Ricky Ansell ,&nbsp;Siri Aili Fagerholm","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sweden was in 2019 the first country outside of North America to use forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) in solving a crime. However, further use of the method was inhibited in 2021 by the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection Authority (IMY), following a mandatory prior consultation process. This decision was due to a considered lack of legislative support as well as issues regarding the transfer of sensitive personal data to a third country. Subsequently, method implementation was put on hold awaiting necessary legal review and amendments. In July 2024, the Swedish Justice Department presented a legal bill on the Police Authority use of FIGG, with only slight changes in relation to the considerations presented by a previous national committee on law enforcement use of biometrics. The legislation distinctly passed parliament vote February 2025 and it will gain force on July 1, 2025. Due to its sensitive nature the use of FIGG will be limited to the most severe offences; murder and aggravated rape, as a last resort and only following a prerequisite of “absolute necessity”. This paper describes the coming legislation on the use of FIGG in Sweden, discussing some parts of the constitutional comments and limitations seen, and describing implementation of FIGG within Swedish law enforcement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018843","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":"Recommendations for victim survivability assessment methodology based on the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry","authors":"Mark Ballard ,&nbsp;Anthony M.J. Bull ,&nbsp;Jonathan C. Clasper ,&nbsp;Alan E. Hepper ,&nbsp;Emrys Kirkman ,&nbsp;Peter F. Mahoney","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100634","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100634","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An expert panel was assembled to report on whether either earlier or different medical treatment could have allowed any of the 22 fatalities of the Manchester Arena Bomb to survive. The aim of this paper is to report on the methodology used by the panel, and to make recommendations for future forensic analyses of explosive events.</div><div>The panel comprised individuals with a broad range of expertise who received relevant materials from the Inquiry Solicitors. The methodology used was iterative and comprehensive with the panel meeting together at regular points to: sequentially review all the material; conduct detailed analyses on the material; review the outputs of the analyses; reconcile and address any inconsistencies or points of debate; strictly define the following terms: unsurvivable, unlikely to be survivable, and potentially survivable; and report to the Inquiry. A second level of iteration was overlayed on this due to: early reporting being requested by the Solicitors to the Inquiry prior to all information being provided; and the expert panel conclusions being contested by the family of one of the casualties and the medical experts appointed by their legal teams, resulting in further analyses being conducted by the panel. The following detailed analyses were conducted for each fatality: injury scoring; injury visualisation and mapping; forensic three-dimensional post-mortem CT scan analysis; ballistic injury analysis; blood loss analysis; tourniquet use; blast lung injury; and categorisation and survivability.</div><div>The panel concluded that 21 individuals suffered unsurvivable injuries and one suffered potentially survivable injuries. In order to complete their tasking, the panel found that: no one piece of evidence and expertise on its own was sufficient; post-mortem CT imaging to assess anatomical damage and body worn video to analyse physiological response were key; and lack of detailed information on survivors hindered the panel's work.</div><div>The clarity of outputs provided by the panel with only the conclusion regarding one of the fatalities being contested highlights the robustness of this panel approach. The following recommendations are made that, in addition to the information that was provided to the panel during this Inquiry, the following information be provided during any future forensic analyses of explosive events: the location of survivors, and uninjured; medical records of the survivors; the three-dimensional plans of the location; structural damage records; and building records and construction technique.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100634"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144805822","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":"Application of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) to reconstruct a staged crime scene in a complex forensic case","authors":"Matteo Antonio Sacco,&nbsp;Saverio Gualtieri,&nbsp;Aurora Princi,&nbsp;Roberto Raffaele,&nbsp;Isabella Aquila","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100624","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100624","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) constitutes a critical component of modern forensic science, particularly in complex crime scenes where the physical evidence may be manipulated or misinterpreted. This manuscript presents a detailed reconstruction of a residential scene initially suspected to be the site of a violent homicide. Despite extensive blood distribution across multiple rooms, forensic investigation revealed that the injuries sustained were superficial and incompatible with the volume and morphology of the bloodstains observed. A systematic application of BPA, revealed patterns predominantly consistent with passive and transfer mechanisms. Specific attention was given to void patterns—unstained areas interrupting otherwise continuous blood distributions—which were geometrically consistent with object repositioning and indicative of post-event manipulation. Integration of BPA with clinical wound assessment, genetic profiling, and contextual behavioral analysis allowed investigators to identify the scene as staged. High-resolution photographic documentation played a pivotal role in the accurate characterization of the bloodstains, enabling precise evaluation of stain edges, distribution, and mechanisms of deposition. This case underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and adherence to updated forensic standards to avoid investigative misdirection and ensure the integrity of crime scene interpretation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100624"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144571790","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":"Challenges in using massively parallel sequencing technology for forensic DNA analysis in Southeast Asia","authors":"Christian S. Estrella ,&nbsp;Maylowen P. Lumayna ,&nbsp;Minerva D. Sagum,&nbsp;Maeviviene V. Sosing,&nbsp;Gayvelline C. Calacal,&nbsp;Maria Corazon A. De Ungria,&nbsp;Jazelyn M. Salvador","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100638","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has caused a paradigm shift in forensic DNA analysis by enabling simultaneous examination of multiple genetic markers with higher resolution. Despite its growing importance, adoption in the 11 Southeast Asian countries remains limited. This paper reviews MPS implementation in forensic DNA laboratories across the region and discusses key adoption challenges. An online survey with the Asian Forensic Sciences Network – DNA Workgroup (AFSN-DNAWG) received 19 responses from seven countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Eight respondents are using MPS, while 10 of 11 non-users plan to adopt it within five years. Key challenges for users included limited population data, lack of standardized international nomenclature, and incompatibility with existing national DNA databases, which rely on length polymorphisms of short tandem repeat (STR) markers. Non-users cited limited infrastructure, financial constraints due to lack of government support, and insufficient training in managing sequencing data. To expand MPS use, we recommend a strategy combining effective capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based DNA profiling for routine cases with MPS technology for complex cases; establishment of an MPS-capable forensic DNA laboratory per country; and increased regional collaboration to maximize genomic data use common to mainstream and Indigenous populations, which have histories of trade, migration, and cultural interactions. These steps can provide a practical approach to integrating MPS into forensic databasing and casework across Southeast Asia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100638"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144908184","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":"Effects of thermal exposure on bone surface characteristics and DNA recovery","authors":"Emma Thibodeau-Cadieux,&nbsp;Andrée M. Beauchamp,&nbsp;Krista A. Currie","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100644","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100644","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In forensic cases involving burned human remains, DNA analysis and anthropological techniques are often required to aid identification. There are gaps in the literature regarding how cremation affects DNA preservation and skeletal integrity. This preliminary study aimed to examine how increasing temperature exposures impact DNA recovery and bone surface morphology. Using domestic pig (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) rib bones as a model and a muffle furnace, bones were exposed to temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 800 °C for 30 min. The resulting changes in colour and surface texture were observed both macroscopically and microscopically. DNA was extracted using the Applied Biosystems PrepFiler Express™ BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit on the AutoMate Express™ Forensic DNA Extraction System and quantified using a NanoDrop™ One UV–Vis Spectrophotometer. Bone colour changes followed an expected pattern, starting with the natural beige, transitioning to black at 350 °C, and then becoming lighter until reaching white at 800 °C. Microscopic observations showed the presence of surface striations at temperatures below 275 °C and the presence of porosity at temperatures above 275 °C. Bones with a black, grey, or white colour and visible porosity were observed in conjunction with a decrease in the amount of DNA. All the bone samples had DNA amounts exceeding 250 ng, suggesting potential suitability for short tandem repeat (STR) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. This study furthers our understanding of the impacts of cremation on DNA recovery and bone surface integrity to aid assessment and management of remains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100644"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415061","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":"Drone forensics redefined: Integrating live, digital, and non-digital evidence acquisition systems","authors":"Dongkyu Lee ,&nbsp;Wook Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100635","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100635","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid development and proliferation of drone technology have led to an increase in various threats. In particular, the number of attacks, crimes, and accidents using drones is continuously expanding, and the need for a systematic response is growing. Existing response strategies have mainly focused on real-time defense-oriented technologies and policies, such as detection, identification, and neutralization of drones. However, recently, the importance of drone forensics, which identifies the flight path of drones, pilot information, and the cause of accidents after an incident, has been highlighted. Drone forensics combines elements of traditional digital forensics and non-digital (physical) forensics, and live forensics technology that collects and analyzes data immediately after an incident plays a crucial role. Drone forensics has distinct technical characteristics compared to general forensics, and this study presents a systematic analysis framework and analysis algorithm structure that reflects these technical characteristics and convergent analysis factors. It comprehensively reviews the major drone forensics technologies currently being utilized. This will help to secure the legal evidence capability of drone forensics and increase its usefulness as evidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100635"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144779504","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}