Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-10-04DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101343
Bok-Chan Go , Jiwon Shin , Sungwook Hong
{"title":"Effects of ultraviolet exposure on latent fingermark visualization on expanded polystyrene surfaces","authors":"Bok-Chan Go , Jiwon Shin , Sungwook Hong","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101343","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101343","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is known that the physical and chemical properties of expanded polystyrene (EPS) surfaces are altered upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light; however, the implications for latent fingermark visualization have not been fully explored. In this study, EPS surfaces were exposed to UV light (253.7 nm) either before or after fingermark deposition and subsequently treated with five visualization techniques: Dazzle yellow, cyanoacrylate fuming (CA) followed by fluorescent dye staining, Lumicyano, small particle reagent (SPR), and Nile red. When illuminated with a blue or green forensic light source, photoluminescence was observed exclusively on UV-exposed surfaces, allowing clear differentiation between UV-exposed and unexposed EPS. Experimental results indicated that Nile red produced the highest-quality fingermarks on unexposed EPS surfaces, while Dazzle yellow and Nile red were most effective for UV-exposed surfaces. In contrast, CA followed by rhodamine 6G staining (CA/R6G) and Lumicyano methods exhibited markedly reduced performance on UV-exposed EPS due to photochemically induced surface alterations. These findings highlight the importance of assessing UV exposure prior to fingermark development and suggest appropriate visualization methods based on surface condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101343"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-10-04DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101340
Karl Ebejer
{"title":"Letter to the editor: “A preliminary survey of ethnic diversity and experience of discrimination in forensic science in the UK”","authors":"Karl Ebejer","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101340","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101340","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101340"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101337
Arvid Sjölander , Gustav Lindkvist
{"title":"Competing explanations in Bayesian networks — The small town murder problem revisited","authors":"Arvid Sjölander , Gustav Lindkvist","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101337","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of probability theory and statistical reasoning in legal contexts is controversial, with several well-known thought experiments highlighting perceived paradoxes. One example is the small town murder problem, recently discussed by de Zoete et al., who argued that the perceived paradoxes arise from a failure to properly distinguish between hypotheses and evidence, and can be resolved using Bayesian networks. While we agree with their general conclusions, we contend that their analysis of the small town murder problem overlooks a central issue and underutilizes the full potential of Bayesian modeling. In this note, we propose an alternative analysis of the problem, drawing on well-known results on conditioning on a common effect of two factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101337"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101341
Saule A. Mussabekova , Nunzianda Frascione , Laura B. Assylbayeva
{"title":"Forensic significance of condom traces in sexual assault investigations: A systematic review","authors":"Saule A. Mussabekova , Nunzianda Frascione , Laura B. Assylbayeva","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic review examines the forensic value of condom residue detection in biological samples, particularly in sexual assault investigations where DNA evidence is absent. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar), two trial registers (<span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>, WHO ICTRP), and four grey literature sources (PQDT, WorldCat, OATD, F1000). Studies published in English from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2025, were screened using predefined PICO(S) criteria. Eight eligible studies involving human matrices were included. The analytical techniques assessed included DRIFTS-FTIR, ATR-FTIR, Py-GC/MS, GC–MS, and sfPESI-MS. DRIFTS-FTIR demonstrated strong spectral resolution for detecting PDMS-based silicone lubricants, while ATR-FTIR achieved 100 % classification accuracy under controlled laboratory conditions. The combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques (e.g., ATR-FTIR + GC–MS) yielded more reliable and confirmatory results. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool for experimental studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports. Key limitations included small sample sizes, variability in collection protocols, and the lack of validated field methods. Overall, the findings highlight the need for methodological integration and standardisation in forensic lubricant trace analysis. PROSPERO registration: CRD420251004301. No external funding was received.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101341"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101336
Janet Stacey , Stephanie Opperman , James M. Curran , Sally Ann Harbison
{"title":"Current state and barriers to global adoption of forensic evaluative reporting of findings given activity-level propositions","authors":"Janet Stacey , Stephanie Opperman , James M. Curran , Sally Ann Harbison","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101336","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101336","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article examines the current state and challenges surrounding the global adoption of evaluative reporting of forensic findings given activity-level propositions. Evaluative reporting provides a structured and objective assessment of findings that can be used in judicial proceedings. The assessment of findings given activity-level propositions addresses ‘how’ and ‘when’ questions about the presence of forensic evidence. This is often the question of interest to the fact-finder. Practitioners are finding that they face such questions on the witness stand with increasing frequency. Despite its importance, widespread adoption has been hampered by several barriers. This article explores various concerns raised by the forensic community in different jurisdictions. This includes reticence toward suggested methodologies, concern about a lack of robust and impartial data to inform probabilities, regional differences in regulatory frameworks and methodology, and the availability of training and resources to implement evaluations given activity-level propositions. Suggestions are made for overcoming these barriers and fostering greater global integration of activity-level evaluative reporting. By addressing these barriers, the credibility and utility of forensic evaluations (of evidence considering activity-level propositions) in both legal and investigative contexts can be improved internationally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101336"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101339
Michael Joseph Dino , Patrick Tracy Balbin , Chloe Margalaux R. Villafuerte , Mayelle S. Magat-Pangilinan , John David , Princess Alyssa Tee , Lothes Samante , Vincent Acena , Michael Salinas , Emily Daquioag , Banjelyn Lazaro
{"title":"Extended reality in forensic sciences: An integrative review","authors":"Michael Joseph Dino , Patrick Tracy Balbin , Chloe Margalaux R. Villafuerte , Mayelle S. Magat-Pangilinan , John David , Princess Alyssa Tee , Lothes Samante , Vincent Acena , Michael Salinas , Emily Daquioag , Banjelyn Lazaro","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of extended reality (XR), an umbrella term encompassing alternative reality technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality, has become increasingly prevalent in various fields of literature over the last few decades. However, there is a limited understanding of XR utilization and integration in forensic science. This integrative review synthesized existing evidence on how XR is being utilized in forensic science. We performed literature searches in four databases and identified 21 articles published between 2010 and 2023 for final analysis. Bibliometric information indicates that most publications (81 %) were published between 2019 and 2023, predominantly in European regions (67 %), in non-forensic journals. Methodologically, qualitative approaches (67 %) were common in evaluating XR usability. Its applications are clustered into either practice (57 %) or education (43 %) domains. Virtual reality (67 %) was more prevalent in XR environments than augmented or mixed realities. Head-mounted devices are the main XR system used in forensic science. While XR offers promising practical and educational applications in forensic science, these findings underscore the need for more robust evidence and the development of transparent, repeatable, and standardized protocols that align with decision-making and accountability in forensic science.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101338
Carlos Antonio Vicentin Junior , Raíssa Bastos Vieira , Pércio Almeida Fistarol Filho , Lehi Sudy dos Santos , Melina Calmon Silva , Michele Avila dos Santos , Carlos Eduardo Palhares Machado
{"title":"Firearm projectile collection techniques: A comparative study on the retention of textile fibers adhered during projectile perforation of denim fabric","authors":"Carlos Antonio Vicentin Junior , Raíssa Bastos Vieira , Pércio Almeida Fistarol Filho , Lehi Sudy dos Santos , Melina Calmon Silva , Michele Avila dos Santos , Carlos Eduardo Palhares Machado","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101338","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101338","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Trace evidence plays a critical role in forensic reconstructions, especially when involving microscopic materials transferred during projectile impacts. This study investigated the adherence of blue jeans fibers to 9 mm caliber projectiles, evaluating six projectile collection methods—PVC tube filled with cotton, PVC tube filled with cotton waste, water tank, ballistic vest plates (Kevlar®), combination of cardboard and ballistic plates, and motorcycle tire combined with ballistic plates—and comparing two ammunition types: hollow-point (HP) and full metal jacket (FMJ). Digital microscopy enabled high-resolution, non-destructive analysis of fiber adherence. HP projectiles retained blue jeans fibers in 94.4 % of cases, significantly more than FMJ projectiles (22.2 %), with a highly significant association. Fiber presence was most frequently observed at the projectile tip and within the HP cavity. Barriers using cotton provided optimal conditions for fiber preservation and minimal visual contamination, whereas water tanks caused fragmentation in HP projectiles and the other materials resulted in considerable deformation and visual contamination, hindering analysis. These findings confirm the superior capacity of HP projectiles to retain microtraces and establish cotton-filled PVC tubes as an effective method for ballistic evidence recovery. Therefore, the use of hollow-point projectiles combined with the cotton-filled PVC tube collection technique is recommended for ballistic tests involving textile microtrace analysis. The study also emphasizes that the absence of visible fibers should not be interpreted as a lack of fabric interaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101338"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145106998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-09-12DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101335
Bai-En Guo , Yao Shen , Zhi-Fei Zhou , Xing Liu , Yu-Xin Wei , Lei Yang
{"title":"Advanced deep learning for automatic classification of fired bullets from standard-issue firearms","authors":"Bai-En Guo , Yao Shen , Zhi-Fei Zhou , Xing Liu , Yu-Xin Wei , Lei Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101335","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101335","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gun violence continues to be a significant global issue, causing countless innocent lives to be lost each year. This study explores deep learning for automated fired bullet marking classification. To address inconsistent results from examiners’ subjective same-source judgment, we automate classification to boost forensic firearm examination accuracy and reduce subjectivity. We collected a dataset of 6000 fired bullets from six types of standard-issue firearms commonly used by Chinese law enforcement agencies. Panoramic images of the lateral surfaces of the bullets were captured using the BalScan system. To create diverse and informative inputs for our deep learning model, we employed three distinct image preprocessing strategies: panoramic imaging, land engraved area (LEA) segmentation (the area with striations and grooves created by the gun barrel’s rifling), and line segmentation. Then, we fine-tuned the advanced pre-trained ResNet50 network on this dataset, specifically designed for image classification tasks. Our experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach, achieving high classification accuracy across different firearm types. Notably, the LEA segmentation strategy outperformed the other methods, highlighting the importance of focusing on specific regions of interest for accurate classification. To specify, our algorithm with the LEA segmentation strategy achieves a classification accuracy of 97.2% for six types of firearms with highly similar bullet rifling marks, while attaining 100.0% accuracy for firearms exhibiting significant differences in rifling characteristics, demonstrating a clear superiority over other algorithms. This study paves the way for further research and development in the field of forensic firearm examination through AI-driven solutions, aiming to improve the efficiency and accuracy of firearm identification and investigation processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101335"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-09-04DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101320
Shirin Alex , Thomas P. Shehata , Andreea Iris Gergely , Marcel de Puit
{"title":"Proteomics in forensics: from source attribution to reconstruction of events","authors":"Shirin Alex , Thomas P. Shehata , Andreea Iris Gergely , Marcel de Puit","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101320","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101320","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Proteomics has become an increasingly valuable tool in analytical sciences, including the field of forensic science. Initially introduced for body fluid identification, its applications have since expanded significantly. This literature review, spanning primarily over two decades (2004–2024), traces the steady evolution of proteomics within forensic science, with a particular focus on its potential for source attribution and event reconstruction. Here, we explore the potential of proteomics for what we refer to as “ultimate event reconstruction.” This reflects the dual role proteomics can play in forensic investigations, addressing early-stage questions related to source attribution, as well as later-stage questions concerning the reconstruction of events and timelines. To illustrate this potential, we highlight three case studies where proteomics has been successfully applied, while also briefly discussing the challenges encountered in implementing such a novel approach within a forensic framework. Additionally, we examine broader challenges that could hinder the adoption of proteomics in forensics, particularly those related to its relevance, complex data analysis, and the legal admissibility of proteomic evidence in court. We propose a set of guidelines aimed at preserving evidentiary integrity and supporting the responsible integration of proteomics into forensic practice. In conclusion, we emphasize that proteomics in forensic science should not be regarded as a standalone research discipline. Its true strength lies in how it can complement and integrate seamlessly with established disciplines such as genomics and toxicology to name a few, enhancing the depth and breadth of forensic trace analysis. Moreover, we highlight how proteomics can contribute to ultimate forensic reconstruction- not in isolation, but as part of a broader multimodal framework that integrates proteomics with techniques like DNA profiling, isotope analysis, and toxicological screening, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of forensic events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101320"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science & JusticePub Date : 2025-09-03DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101319
Yajun Li , Xianhe Deng , Zhanfang Liu , Jili Zheng , Guannan Zhang , Hongling Guo , Hongcheng Mei , Can Hu , Kui Wu , Jun Zhu
{"title":"Cause analysis of spontaneous combustion and self-detonation of homemade ammonium nitrate explosives","authors":"Yajun Li , Xianhe Deng , Zhanfang Liu , Jili Zheng , Guannan Zhang , Hongling Guo , Hongcheng Mei , Can Hu , Kui Wu , Jun Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the strict control of industrial explosives, the easy accessibility of raw materials and simple preparation methods have made homemade explosives (HMEs), especially ammonium nitrate (AN)-based HMEs, widely manufactured, sold, and used by criminals and terrorists. Fertilizers containing chemically modified AN are often employed to produce AN-HMEs. To enhance explosive power and sensitivity, criminals commonly add highly energetic substances such as potassium chlorate (KClO<sub>3</sub>) to these fertilizers. However, due to the incompatibility of the added substances, spontaneous combustion and self-detonation often occur. The investigation of such spontaneous combustion and self-detonation is more difficult than that of explosions triggered by fire or flammable materials, as they typically arise naturally during storage without external heat source. The compositional analysis of explosive residues deposited at crime scenes is therefore of significant forensic value for subsequent crime reconstruction. Nevertheless, factors such as crystal phase, thermal properties, component compatibility in explosive mixtures, and the intermediates formed are often overlooked. In this study, an explosion during storage caused by AN-HMEs illegally mixed with KClO<sub>3</sub> was investigated. The composition of the explosive residues was analyzed, and simulated storage experiments were conducted under both open and closed conditions. The phase composition, thermal stability, and compatibility of the explosive mixtures in storage experiments were examined to elucidate the mechanisms of spontaneous combustion and self-detonation. Additionally, attempts were made to explain why the characteristic ClO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> ion added to the fertilizer was not detected in the residues. The results indicate that although AN and KClO<sub>3</sub> are thermodynamically stable individually, their mixture reduces the thermal stability of AN, revealing their incompatibility. It was demonstrated that under room temperature and closed storage conditions, AN and KClO<sub>3</sub> can form an unstable intermediate, ammonium chlorate (NH<sub>4</sub>ClO<sub>3</sub>). Subsequently, NH<sub>4</sub>ClO<sub>3</sub> was synthesized, characterized, and its crystal structure analyzed via Rietveld refinement. NH<sub>4</sub>ClO<sub>3</sub> decomposes at 58 °C, releasing heat that accumulates within the explosives and forms hot spots, thereby initiating detonation. Since the decomposition products are gaseous, ClO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> was not detected in the explosive residues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145011301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}