Science & Justice最新文献

{"title":"Automated microscopy in forensic biology: Validating the use of deep neural networks for the detection of human spermatozoa in Christmas Tree stained slides","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.2025.101370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The most widely accepted technique for the confirmation of semen presence in forensic biology is the microscopic identification of sperm cells. The process of manual microscopic examination, however, can often be time consuming, particularly where sperm numbers are low or where sperm cells are absent, particularly when in the presence of numerous non-sperm cells. The findings of this study demonstrate that automated microscopy utilising Deep Neural Network (DNN) allows for an improvement of the efficiency of examination times associated with microscopy. Additionally, the use of instrument and slide data as diagnostic tools permits rapid detection of invalid results. Metafer with Sperm Detection, using DNN v3.1.1, successfully identified sperm cells present in both high and low semen concentrations in mixed-cell substrates, often with a higher accuracy than manual microscopic examinations where very low sperm numbers were present (1–5 sperm cells on an entire slide). Whilst there were instances of false positive and false negative sperm cell classifications observed, the overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of automated microscopy using Metafer with Sperm Detection (DNN v3.1.1) was 0.9999, 0.9996 and 0.9999, respectively. The conversion of Metafer sperm counts to an existing sperm grading system allows compatibility with manual microscopy outcomes and allows decisions regarding sample triage and submission for specific DNA extraction protocols in routine casework to be made with confidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101370"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684545","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":"Exploration of the multidisciplinary integration teaching model in forensic science: A case study of death by high fall after drinking alcohol","authors":"An-Ding Zhou ,&nbsp;Nian Zhou ,&nbsp;Si-Hao Du ,&nbsp;Xiao-Hui Tan ,&nbsp;Xia Yue ,&nbsp;Dong-Ri LI ,&nbsp;Dong-Fang Qiao ,&nbsp;Tong Xie ,&nbsp;Qi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101356","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101356","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Undergraduate education in forensic science plays a critical role in cultivating highly qualified forensic professionals with comprehensive analytical skills and practical competency. However, traditional teaching methods often prove insufficient when complex cases involving the intersection of multiple disciplines are encountered, and they frequently fail to meet the demands of practical teaching. This teaching practice is mainly for 4th-year undergraduate forensic science students and aims to explore a multidisciplinary integrated teaching model in forensic science on the basis of a complex simulated case: an alcohol-related fatality resulting from a fall from height. This model emphasizes student-centered learning, organically integrating forensic scene investigation, forensic pathological examination, and forensic toxicological analysis through the simulation of realistic case scenarios. It facilitates students in applying theoretical knowledge, mastering professional skills, and fostering evidence awareness, logical reasoning, teamwork abilities, standardized operational awareness, and a rigorous scientific attitude through practical experience. Through the teaching practice of simulating an alcohol-related fall from height fatality, the effectiveness of this model in enhancing students’ comprehensive analytical skills, practical competence, and forensic thinking provides a new perspective and approach for reforming undergraduate practical teaching in forensic science and lays a foundation for cultivating forensic professionals who are better equipped to meet societal needs in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145546714","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":"Beyond biohazards: teaching forensic biology practicals with synthetic and non-human samples","authors":"Carrie Mullen ,&nbsp;Jo-Ann Smith ,&nbsp;Chloe Ward ,&nbsp;Helen Page ,&nbsp;Kayleigh Lamont ,&nbsp;Sean Mallon ,&nbsp;Farah Jaber-Hijazi","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Practical laboratory classes are essential in forensic biology education, providing valuable hands-on experience that bridges theoretical knowledge and real-world practices. However, delivering authentic, safe, and legally compliant practical experiences presents significant challenges, particularly for programmes lacking access to specialised biohazard laboratories. The authors outline the development and implementation of synthetic alternatives to human body fluids, specifically saliva and semen, to minimise biohazard risks, alongside the in-house production of amylase detection paper (adapted from Phadebas® tablets), as a cost-effective alternative to expensive commercial options, helping resource-limited departments provide high-quality laboratory experiences for forensic and crime scene science students.</div><div>The work highlights the collaborative efforts of teaching and technical staff across institutions in developing these solutions, to support students in realistic forensic casework simulations while maintaining safety, legal compliance, and inclusivity. These innovations demonstrate how practical challenges in resource-limited departments can be overcome through sustainability-conscious design and pedagogical creativity, contributing to the wider goals of Education for Sustainable Development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101354"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571187","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":"Alginate-based forensic blood substitutes mimicking whole blood clotting and drying properties in drip stains and pools","authors":"Erin Giroux ,&nbsp;Shaijieni Kannan ,&nbsp;Theresa Stotesbury ,&nbsp;Mark C. Jermy","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic Blood Substitutes (FBS) may be used in place of blood for training and research in bloodstain pattern analysis. They offer a longer shelf life and less stringent biohazard precautions than animal or human blood. The drying dynamics of FBS have not been previously investigated. This preliminary work compares the drying dynamics of two alginate-based hydrogel FBS formulations with whole bovine blood deposited as drip stains and pools on glazed tile and cotton jersey fabric with pools of 2, 10 and 500 µL of each liquid. The first formulation (FBS1), previously optimized and validated for impact and drip patterns, was modified by adjusting the ionic crosslinker (CaCl₂) and polymer (alginate) concentrations to create a second formula (FBS2) with more time-dependent viscosity to mimick the increasing viscosity of whole human blood during clotting. Rheometry was characterised with oscillation amplitude sweeps (0.1–150 % strain), flow sweeps (1–1200 s⁻¹) and time sweeps (3.5 % strain and 1 Hz for 2000 s). In single tests, blood pools formed from FBS2 appear to show drying characteristics closer to whole blood than FBS1. On non-porous tile, the FBS materials broadly replicated the speed and appearance of the early stages of drying of blood. It developed radial stress lines in the corona, but did not crack in the way blood does in the final stages of drying. It did not de-bond from the tile surface in the same way. In the limited tests performed, FBS1 appears to spread further than blood to form larger stains, whereas FBS2 may not. On cotton jersey, both FBSs wicked at a similar rate to blood. Both FBS1 and FBS2 dried lighter than blood, but with the same dark edge to the stain. Ultimately, we found that by changing the polymer and ionic crosslinker concentration, the physical fluid properties of the material can be manipulated to behave more like blood during stain formation. Thus, the current formulations of the FBS are suitable for the generation of blood stains for training and research, with FBS1 acting as an accurate mimetic of whole blood for drip stains, and FBS2 possessing the viscous behavior required to better mimic whole blood clotting in larger volume stains and pools. Further work with more replicates, applied volumes and substrates is needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101374"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737346","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":"Effects of time, high ambient temperature, swab type, and preservatives on forensic DNA recovery","authors":"Maria Divya Sahayaselvan ,&nbsp;Shruti Chowdhari ,&nbsp;Vivekanandan Perumal ,&nbsp;Shreya Rastogi","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101372","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101372","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>DNA obtained from biological samples plays a significant role in both criminal and civil investigations. However, the probative value of DNA evidence is heavily influenced by the conditions under which the biological samples are collected, handled, and preserved, given their susceptibility to degradation over time. While general guidelines for handling different types of biological samples have been established by the government agencies and forensic laboratories, specific procedures for handling biological samples intended for forensic DNA analysis remain poorly defined in developing countries. As unforeseen delays between sample collection and DNA testing are common in forensic settings, factors such as traditional collection methods, inadequate air drying prior to packaging, and storage in evidence rooms lacking temperature control often result in laboratories receiving poor-quality samples, which further hinders the efficiency of forensic DNA analysis. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of collection method, storage medium and duration of storage under high ambient temperature on DNA recovery. Our results show that (a) nylon-flocked swabs facilitate improved DNA yields, (b) the use of DNA-stabilizing preservatives (commercially available or prepared in-house) increases the amplifiable DNA yield of samples stored at 35 °C for up to one month, (c) no amplifiable DNA was recovered from either type of swabs when stored dry at high ambient temperature for more than a week without a preservative, and (d) regardless of the swab material and the use of preservative, no amplifiable DNA could be extracted from samples stored up to two months at 35 °C. In sum, this work demonstrates that the use of nylon-flocked swabs together with DNA-stabilizing preservatives has a tangible impact on the amount of amplifiable DNA recovered from samples stored at high ambient temperature for up to a month, and that incorporating these methods hold considerable forensic utility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101372"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684543","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":"Shored bullet entry wounds: key practical insights in aid of shooting investigations","authors":"Bandula Nishshanka ,&nbsp;Chris Shepherd ,&nbsp;Randika Ariyarathna","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101375","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101375","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>“Foreshoring” is a rarely examined phenomenon in shooting incidents and occurs when a bullet traverses an intermediate surface that is firmly pressed against the body prior to skin penetration. Building upon the only experimental study available to date, published in 1980, this empirical investigation systematically evaluated the macroscopic features of shored bullet entry wounds produced using a range of commonly encountered shoring materials and bullet types relevant to forensic casework. Porcine skin samples mounted in a custom-designed experimental apparatus were used to generate shored entry wounds, which were subsequently compared with control wounds created in the absence of a shoring surface. The influence of varying downward forces on wound morphology was also assessed. Statistically significant macroscopic differences between shored and standard bullet entry wounds have been identified, revealing novel wound profiles and underlying mechanisms. Findings demonstrate that downward force does not alter the macroscopic morphology of shored-entry wounds, and even minimal separation between the skin and the supporting surface produces wound characteristics distinct from those of true shoring. The study also clarifies previous misconceptions, including a masking effect in close-range shots where gunshot residue may obscure key wound features. While presenting novel insights concerning shored gunshot entry wounds for practical forensic caseworks, the findings of this study highlight that the accurate recognition of shored-entry wounds is essential for reconstructing shooting incidents, interpreting wound patterns, and preventing misclassification in medicolegal investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101375"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789552","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":"Identifying the end user requirements for a novel, field-based environmental DNA (eDNA) forensic collection method","authors":"Matthew Lewis ,&nbsp;Katie Lainé ,&nbsp;Kirstie Scott ,&nbsp;Bernd Hänfling ,&nbsp;Nick Dawnay","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to the DNA derived from species and found in environmental samples such as water, air and soil. eDNA has been used in biodiversity and conservation studies but not routinely implemented in forensic investigations. Currently physical surveys are implemented at freshwater pearl mussel, <em>Margaritifera margaritifera,</em> crime scenes which are costly, invasive, reliant on practitioner experience and susceptible to false negative results. The aim of this study was to identify key end-user requirements for a novel eDNA sampling method collected through stakeholder discussion and questionnaire. Stakeholder discussions identified the following key criteria for method development: the end-user group, ease of collection, risk to end-user, speed of collection, cost of collection, and data accuracy. These criteria were used to develop three possible eDNA collection approaches: basic (2L water bottles for bankside collection), intermediate (Whirl-Pak® bags for bankside collection), and advanced (onsite Sterivex™ filtration equipment to use on samples collected by entering the watercourse). To compare the three possible methods in respect to their ease and risk, a questionnaire was disseminated to government officers, police officers, postgraduate students and university staff with expertise in either wildlife crime and/or eDNA approaches (N = 63). The time taken to collect samples together with the associated costs of equipment and analysis time were also calculated. Finally, impact of collection method on data accuracy was assessed through the development of a qPCR assay to measure the sensitivity, specificity and concentrations across two different DNA fragment sizes from hatchery reared populations of <em>M. margaritifera</em>. End-user questionnaire data reveals a preference for the basic and intermediate methods in respect to their ease of use and identified risks. Furthermore, these sampling strategies were quicker and cheaper to use although the advanced method could offer logistical benefits in terms of longer preservation times and reduced laboratory processing time. In respect to impact on data accuracy, the advanced method also showed poor detection rates of eDNA, a surprising result given the popularity of the method in conservation studies. Together, these data show the benefits of a co-developed and usable method for police and conservation first responders to use at wildlife crime investigations concerning <em>M. margaritifera</em> habitat destruction. Further research to develop a robust qPCR assay and assess the usability of the basic and intermediate collection methods on wild populations is recommended to determine the overall effectiveness of the described methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737347","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":"IFC: Editorial Board and Aims and Scope","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00166-2","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00166-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101382"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924751","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":"BM1: Events Guide","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00172-8","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00172-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101388"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924754","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":"Manhunt: Using Keatley’s Winthropping to help find fugitives","authors":"D.A. Keatley","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101357","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101357","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tracking fugitives is an essential part of criminal investigations. When a fugitive is actively evading arrest, moving and hiding to escape, several issues arise. Technological advancements have greatly helped tracking individuals, yet still suspects are able to avoid arrest, sometimes for long periods of time. The current case study provides a review of an infamous fugitive case with modern decision-making analyses. The aim is to show how investigators can return to traditional investigative methods in situations wherein technology is lacking or ineffective. The outcome of the case study review shows the potential to track a fugitive’s behavior. It is suggested that this approach can be trialed and tested across other cold or historic cases to further improve the analyses. These desktop scenario sessions can provide effective training for real-time, current fugitive cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571186","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}