Science & JusticePub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-04-27DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101444
Daniel Preece, Abigail Jones
{"title":"The forensic limits of hair drug testing: a critical assessment of drug intake and hair concentration relationships","authors":"Daniel Preece, Abigail Jones","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hair analysis is widely used in forensic toxicology to establish drug exposure, offering a long detection window and non-invasive sampling. This review provides a critical assessment of whether a dose-concentration relationship between drug intake and concentrations measured in hair exists and if such a relationship would be suitable for forensic purposes. A systematic search as conducted to identify controlled studies that were published across illicit substances and pharmaceuticals. The results reveal substantial variability in reported correlations. While some pharmaceuticals (e.g., clozapine, methadone) show moderate associations, most illicit drugs, including heroin, codeine, amphetamine, cannabis, and GHB, show weak or inconsistent relationships. Overlapping concentration ranges between low and high doses, combined with confounding factors such as melanin content, sweat contamination, cosmetic treatments, and methodological inconsistencies, undermine the reliability of dose estimations. Although controlled administration studies provide more robust data, ethical constraints limit their scope. Current evidence indicates that hair analysis can confirm exposure but cannot accurately quantify dose or distinguish intentional ingestion from passive contact. Future research should focus on standardizing analytical protocols, correcting for melanin content, and exploring pharmaceuticals with predictable dosing patterns. Overall, hair should be regarded as a qualitative indicator of exposure rather than a quantitative measure of drug intake.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 3","pages":"Article 101444"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147849748","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}
{"title":"A comprehensive assessment of forensic entomology applications on human remains: A systematic review from 1989 to 2025","authors":"Deshaka Jayakody , Nayana Gunathilaka , Nirmala Perera","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101447","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101447","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic entomology, the study of insects in legal investigations, is most commonly applied to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). While animal models have historically supported research in this field, their relevance to human forensic scenarios remains limited. A systematic review was conducted to assess the current state of forensic entomology research involving human cadavers. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was performed using Lens.org and PubMed databases to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 1989 and 2025. Inclusion criteria targeted English-language articles explicitly addressing forensic entomology and human remains. A total of 88 eligible articles were identified. A systematic analysis was performed using VOSviewer (v1.6.20), focusing on keyword co-occurrence mapping, clustering, and density visualization to identify dominant research themes and potential knowledge gaps. Four major research themes were identified: (1) Insect developmental biology for post-mortem interval estimation, (2) Taxonomic and ecological investigations of forensically relevant insects (3) Molecular approaches to insect identification in forensic contexts and (4) Insect succession dynamics during decomposition. The density mapping indicated that research depth in the field of forensic entomology related to human cadavers is limited. Entomofaunal studies revealed a need for broader geographic representation. Notably, entomotoxicology did not emerge as a major cluster, highlighting it as a significantly underexplored area in human cadaver studies. Foundational research exists on PMI estimation and insect development, yet gaps in diversity and methods persist. Entomotoxicology and regional species variation remain underexplored; addressing these will enhance the accuracy and applicability of forensic entomology in human death investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 3","pages":"Article 101447"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147849747","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 : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-05-04DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101446
Yonghui Shi , Zifei Qiu , Xiaodong Song , Jinling Yang , Rong Zeng , Yunpeng Hong , Haozhe Zhang , Ganlin Zhang
{"title":"Forensic soil comparison for traffic accidents caused by soil clods on roadway","authors":"Yonghui Shi , Zifei Qiu , Xiaodong Song , Jinling Yang , Rong Zeng , Yunpeng Hong , Haozhe Zhang , Ganlin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil, as a prevalent form of trace evidence at crime scenes, demonstrates considerable forensic value through its transferability and geospatial distinctiveness. Tracing the geographical origin of soil from crime scenes can provide crucial evidence support for court trials and case investigations. This study investigated the forensic utility of soil evidence in traffic accident liability determination using a representative case occurring in the <em>peri</em>-urban areas of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China. In this case, large clods of dry and hard soil were scattered on the roadway, causing an electric tricycle to overturn, which resulted in the driver’s death. Given the absence of surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, we conducted similarity analysis using soil morphological characteristics, pH, particle size parameters, and elemental composition. Multivariate similarity assessment among accident site soils (sample ID: 0-1, 0-2) and reference samples from the suspect vehicle (1-5, 1-6, 3-4, 3-7), parking spot (4-3), and last cultivated farmland before the incident (5-2, 5-3, 5-6) revealed consistent patterns. Notably, sample 1-5 exhibits the highest degree of similarity with the accident site soil. These findings provide useful empirical support for liability determination and fair adjudication in traffic accidents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 3","pages":"Article 101446"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147849746","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101398
Ian C Whittaker , Joshua Thomson , Megan Dilley-Salter , Robyn Adams , Edward A Breeds , Maria Chiara Roffin , Laurence Shaw , Rachel S Bolton-King
{"title":"Using open-source software and interdisciplinary teaching to increase digital forensics accessibility, and inclusivity, with sustainable development and learning in higher education","authors":"Ian C Whittaker , Joshua Thomson , Megan Dilley-Salter , Robyn Adams , Edward A Breeds , Maria Chiara Roffin , Laurence Shaw , Rachel S Bolton-King","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ensuring rigorous forensic image processing means not only adhering to the relevant industry standards but also a solid foundation of teaching the principles behind the skills. This study examines six years of a level 5 undergraduate “Forensic Image Processing” module and focuses on using open-source software and interdisciplinary teaching to provide a competence based active learning environment, to improve professional development. A discussion of the importance of understanding how an image is processed is included, especially when applying automated processes. The results of this approach show a benefit of education for cultural diversity. Within the module the computing workshops have a negligible award gap, while the exam shows a 6% gap in favour of ethnic minority students. The major factor affecting student outcomes in the module is the year it was delivered partly with online learning via remote workshops with a drop of average attainment for all students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101398"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023548","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101396
Dhruvi Panchal, Nirmala Krishnamurthy
{"title":"Mock crime scene challenge as a collaborative tool for student learning","authors":"Dhruvi Panchal, Nirmala Krishnamurthy","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Collaborative learning is a teaching approach that focuses on students’ exploration and application of theoretical knowledge and aims at encouraging student interaction and active learning. In this study, we have utilized a novel Mock Crime Scene (MCS) challenge as a collaborative tool for student learning. The MCS challenge was a two-pronged approach in which student groups had to design a crime scene for their peers to investigate as well as conduct an investigation on another crime scene. Student survey results and in-person interviews provided insights into student perceptions on the MCS challenge. Students felt that the challenge was an effective collaborative exercise as it supported peer discussion and coordination within the group. Results also revealed that students perceived that this hands-on experience was more engaging than quizzes or exams and improved their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Overall, this study revealed that the MCS challenge can be used as a collaborative tool for student learning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101396"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023547","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101397
Kangkang Liu , Bin He , Changyu Chen , Zhenwen Sun , Xiaojun Li , Guimin Cheng , Zhigang Li , Yaping Luo , Ning Zhang
{"title":"Non-destructive detection of soot-obscured latent fingermarks using robotic optical coherence tomography","authors":"Kangkang Liu , Bin He , Changyu Chen , Zhenwen Sun , Xiaojun Li , Guimin Cheng , Zhigang Li , Yaping Luo , Ning Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fires frequently obliterate or contaminate physical evidence, complicating scene reconstruction. Latent fingermarks can survive combustion but are often masked by soot, making conventional powdering or chemical enhancement both ineffective and potentially destructive to ridge detail and DNA. This study evaluates optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a rapid, non-contact alternative for visualizing soot-covered fingermarks on substrates commonly encountered at fire scenes, including stainless-steel door handles and window glass. A spectral-domain OCT probe was mounted on a six-axis robotic arm, enabling automated raster scanning over irregular items. Natural fingermarks were deposited on three stainless-steel door handles with different surface curvatures and on tempered window glass, then exposed to open flame for five minutes to produce uniform soot layers. Volumetric OCT data were rendered into <em>en face</em> projections in under one minute (∼37 s for the acquisition of OCT data, ∼20 s for the analysis) per specimen. On flat or gently curved steel surfaces, OCT resolved Level-1 and Level-2 ridge detail through soot; pronounced curvature reduced contrast but still yielded identifiable minutiae. Glass produced the highest-quality images, revealing sweat pores (Level 3). Because the technique is non-destructive and contact-free, both the soot layer and underlying residue remained intact, permitting subsequent DNA profiling and accelerant analysis. The results demonstrate that robotic-OCT can serve as a first-line screening tool at post-fire scenes, enhancing the recovery of comparison-quality fingermarks while preserving downstream evidential value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101397"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978831","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}