Science & Justice最新文献

{"title":"A preliminary assessment of factors influencing the indirect transfer of saliva and their impact on forensic examination outcomes","authors":"Jonathan Finnis ,&nbsp;Geraldine Davidson ,&nbsp;Karen Alexander ,&nbsp;Jennie Lewis ,&nbsp;Maggie Boyce ,&nbsp;Finlay Kennedy ,&nbsp;David Casey ,&nbsp;Nicola Clayson ,&nbsp;Isla Fraser ,&nbsp;Charlotte Murphy ,&nbsp;Charlotte Hargreaves ,&nbsp;Nighean Stevenson ,&nbsp;Sharon Doole ,&nbsp;Carol Rogers","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The following work, carried out by the Association of Forensic Service Providers, Body Fluid Forum, provides an initial assessment of whether examination findings, specifically visibility of staining under white light, fluorescence beneath Crime-lite® ML2, stain size and Phadebas® activity, could assist in evaluating scenarios relating to how saliva may have been transferred. This preliminary study used saliva from a single donor with a single initial transfer volume and involved indirect transfers using porous and non-porous primary and secondary surfaces, differing degrees of contact and both wet and dried saliva stains. Within the limitations of this small-scale study, whether the saliva was wet or dry at the point of transfer had the greatest impact on the outcome of the recorded examination findings. Most significantly, all wet transfers tested Phadebas® positive, whereas no Phadebas® positive reactions were observed for any dry transfers. Only limited differences were noted between stains transferred from or to the tested surface types, or with different amounts of contact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101395"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023549","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":"Exploring the student experience of integrating blended learning to crime scene teaching using eXtended reality to complement in situ practical learning","authors":"G.E. Handley ,&nbsp;S.J. Shemilt ,&nbsp;A.J. Jeffery ,&nbsp;J.K. Pringle","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101407","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic Science teaching in higher education requires hands-on investigative field and laboratory skills, especially when aiming to meet accreditation standards. <em>In situ</em> teaching with large cohorts can prove challenging and time intensive. The implementation of virtual learning resources has seen an increase since the Covid-19 pandemic when remote learning was essential. This project aims to explore the application of complementary eXtended reality crime scenes for forensic science programmes as a means of supporting <em>in situ</em> investigative skills through insight into student’s experience of a blended learning approach. Research undertaken was divided into two cycles. The first collected and evaluated staff and student experiences of teaching and learning during the enforced lockdowns due to the pandemic. The second created an eXtended reality reconstruction of an <em>in situ</em> practical crime scene examination to support a blended learning approach. Opinions from both staff and students were sought via a focus group and survey questionnaire. Project findings evidenced the virtual crime scene was positively received, offered flexibility to accommodate a variety of learning styles and catered to individual student needs. Discussion key points centred around authentic learning and student engagement, with caution raised that online resources should not replace the crucial practical skills gained from <em>in situ</em> teaching. Further research into student engagement is needed to explore complexities within this topic. Whilst the survey response rate was low (n = 14; 13.5%), there was still evidence to suggest the virtual scene was enjoyable, easy to navigate and assisted with related coursework assessment. Ultimately, this research provides support for utilising virtual reconstructions in crime scene teaching when complementary to <em>in situ</em> teaching and further offers a model for other researchers to follow.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397407","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 United Nations academic impact global hub: Embedding sustainability throughout a forensic science degree programme","authors":"Leisa Nichols-Drew,&nbsp;Emma Johnston","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101404","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101404","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations to improve lives around the world <span><span>[1]</span></span>. The SDGs have a focus on cultural, ethical, environmental and social issues, as well as lifelong learning, reduced inequalities, wellbeing, and health. De Montfort University (DMU) is the only higher education institution in the United Kingdom to be a designated global United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) hub for a Sustainable Development Goal. DMU is the hub for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; with a commitment to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.</div><div>In this case study of our professional practice, we showcase examples of how Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is embedded into the forensic science programme at DMU. This includes results from a small-scale pedagogic research study which explored the use of six sustainability themes to communicate ESD. Findings suggest that ESD needs to be related, and aligned, to specific subject areas e.g., forensic science, for it to translate to students and be transformative. In addition, we present a discussion of the successful DMUglobal initiative which provides international experiences for forensic science students. We situate this practice within the literature on the pedagogy of international field trips and consider the sustainability and inclusivity implications. Further synchronous and asynchronous SDG activities are outlined, alongside future plans. We hope that the examples presented here will be useful to colleagues delivering forensic science education in considering how they can make their practice more sustainable and inclusive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397408","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":"From novice to expert: Student conceptual growth in understanding experimental error using a hands-on laboratory activity","authors":"Charlotte Disney,&nbsp;Dana-Marie Dennis,&nbsp;Tamra Legron-Rodriguez","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates how a targeted, sustainable laboratory activity can be used to develop students’ understanding of measurement errors and experimental uncertainty. The activity prompted students to critically consider sources of error in an experimental context and the need for calibration of measuring devices, thereby reinforcing principles of Good Laboratory Practices and Quality Assurance. Unlike complex procedures that often involve multiple variables and chemicals, this activity was intentionally designed to isolate and highlight the issues related to measurements using simple, sustainable materials: an analytical balance, a weighing container, an adjustable volume micropipette, and water. The primary aim of this study is to investigate students’ conceptual development regarding error, uncertainty, and calibrations. To accomplish this, a pre-test/post-test (prelab/postlab) design was used to compare student understanding before and after the laboratory activity. Students were given a prelab and postlab assessment that included a scenario: A student pipettes 1.00 mL of water into a weighing container and determines the mass using an analytical balance. The assessment included two open-ended questions (OEQs): 1) What are the sources of error associated with the process? and 2) What are some ways to minimize the errors associated with the process? Student responses from the two questions before (prelab) and after (postlab) the experiment were collected. Using qualitative analysis, responses were thematically analyzed, and codes were grouped according to the level of conceptual sophistication (e.g., novice ideas and expert ideas). Analysis of student responses over two semesters showed a shift in student understanding. Before the activity, the most common errors identified by students (OEQ1) were novice ideas (86% novice, 32% expert). After the experiment, a greater number of expert responses were encountered (33% novice, 67% expert). Before the experiment, the most common solutions identified by students (OEQ2) were novice ideas (60% novice, 40% expert). After the experiment, a greater number of expert responses were encountered (37% novice, 63% expert). These findings highlight the pedological value of incorporating targeted, conceptually focused, sustainable laboratory activities to support student learning in measurement, uncertainty, and calibrations. <span><span>Supplementary material</span></span>s, including the qualitative analysis codebooks and experimental protocol are provided to support adoption of the activity and further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101399"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078498","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":"BM2: Council Information","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1355-0306(26)00026-2","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(26)00026-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101420"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147650031","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":"Research applications of Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging for fingermark analysis","authors":"Li-Xue Wang ,&nbsp;Ya-Bin Zhao ,&nbsp;Cheng-Long Huang ,&nbsp;Zi-Han Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101406","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101406","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging technology have demonstrated breakthrough capabilities in the field of fingermark analysis, ranging from chemical component analysis to morphological visualization, by virtue of the specificity of molecular vibration fingermarks and the advantages of non-destructive detection. This paper systematically summarizes the specific applications of Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging technology in fingermark analysis. On one hand, it comprehensively reviews studies on fingermark component imaging and ridge development from four aspects: high-speed Raman imaging technology, Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technology, the combined technology of fingermark transfer membranes and SERS, and the integrated technology of conventional development methods and SERS. On the other hand, from the perspective of fingermark chemical information extraction, it introduces applications in the detection of special components (e.g., toxicants, explosives, condom lubricants, and cosmetics) for population characteristic identification, as well as the analysis of conventional components and the inference of fingermark deposition time. Finally, the future development prospects of Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging technology in fingermark analysis are prospected.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101406"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397406","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":"Investigation of thermal penetration from the fire scene into the deceased fire victim","authors":"Mary-Jane Harding,&nbsp;Nicholas Márquez-Grant,&nbsp;Mike Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Investigating fatal fires is a complex multi-disciplinary undertaking, with victims considered to be a fundamental part of the evidence. This study investigated thermal penetration into human remains with the aim of extending the results to the assessment of the fatal fire victim. Data was collected during the burning of 15 unembalmed bodies in years 2017–2019 with the San Luis Obispo Strike Team (SLOFIST) on their annual Forensic Fire Death Investigation Course (FFDIC). Cadavers were placed within a scene of individually built compartment rooms to simulate accidental and intentional fires. Thermocouples were placed within the compartments at ceiling/mid/floor levels and within the thoracic cavity of the deceased which facilitated analysis of thermal transition through phases of fire development from ignition to suppression. Radiant heat flux data enabled investigation of the relationship of the thermal environment and internal body temperature rise in kW/m². A statistically significant relationship between ceiling radiant flux and internal body temperature was identified in the thermal penetration of the body at p ≤ 0.041, and a highly statistically significant correlation of p ≤ 0.001 between internal body temperature rise and the fire development phenomenon of flashover. The effect size for this relationship (88%) indicates that a large proportion of internal body temperature rise in fire victims is accounted for by exposure to the fire phenomenon of flashover.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101401"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397411","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":"Corrigendum to “Proteomics in forensics: from source attribution to reconstruction of events”. [Sci. Justice 65(6) (2025) 101320]","authors":"Shirin Alex ,&nbsp;Thomas P. Shehata ,&nbsp;Andreea Iris Gergely ,&nbsp;Marcel de Puit","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101380","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101380"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147616979","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":"Retraction notice to “The architecture of failure — A cross-national lifecycle analysis of forensic science governance breakdowns”. [Sci. Justice 2 (2026) 101405]","authors":"Michael P. Kessler","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101435","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 2","pages":"Article 101435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147650008","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":"Corrigendum to “Automated microscopy in forensic biology: Validating the use of deep neural networks for the detection of human spermatozoa in Christmas Tree stained slides”. [Sci. Just. 66(1) (2026) 101370]","authors":"Dean C. Topping,&nbsp;Teresa Tran,&nbsp;Colby M. Hymus,&nbsp;Nicholas S. Mountford,&nbsp;Yoon C. Liew,&nbsp;Scott E. Egan,&nbsp;Penny L. Cooper","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101377","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101377","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101377"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924753","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}