Science & Justice最新文献

{"title":"Correspondence by the Association of Forensic Science Providers (AFSP), Body Fluid Forum (BFF) on an article written by N. Dawnay and K. Sheppard: “From crime scene to courtroom: A review of the current bioanalytical evidence workflows used in rape and sexual assault investigations in the United Kingdom, Science & Justice 63 (2023) 206–228”","authors":"Linda Groombridge,&nbsp;Geraldine Davidson,&nbsp;Sharon Doole,&nbsp;Jonathan Finnis,&nbsp;Isla Fraser,&nbsp;Charlotte Hargreaves,&nbsp;Rachel Knottley,&nbsp;Charlotte Murphy,&nbsp;Carol Rogers,&nbsp;Nighean Stevenson","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>“From crime scene to courtroom: A review of the current bioanalytical evidence workflows used in rape and sexual assault investigations in the United Kingdom” by N. Dawnay and K. Sheppard (Science &amp; Justice 63 (2023) 206–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2022.12.006) has been reviewed by the Body Fluid Forum (BFF) of the Association of Forensic Science Providers (AFSP). The BFF consists of a representative of each of the Forensic Science Providers within the UK and Ireland and as such, strives to provide best practice guidance for the examination and evaluation of biological evidence within cases involving rape and sexual assault. With this in mind, this article aims to address inaccuracies regarding laboratory (and scene) forensic examinations for body fluids and interpretation of the findings in respect of prosecution and defence propositions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623855","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":"Re-evaluating forensic taphonomy experimental design: Relevance of non-human animal models vs. human donor bodies","authors":"Devin A. Finaughty ,&nbsp;Victoria E. Gibbon ,&nbsp;Craig A. Keyes ,&nbsp;Desiré Brits","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101348","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101348","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101348"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466197","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":"Development and validation of a fast TEIS-TQMS screening method for the identification of 8 NPS in non-biological samples","authors":"Bartłomiej Feigel ,&nbsp;Piotr Adamowicz ,&nbsp;Sławomir Wybraniec","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101349","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The number of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) on the drug market is steadily increasing and there are no signs that this trend will change in the coming years. The constantly evolving drug market necessitates forensic experts to develop new methods for NPS analysis. With the growing number of analytes, the diversity of these compounds also increases, making it more challenging to develop screening methods that enable the analyses of a large number of the drugs simultaneously. It should also be noted that methods enabling quick NPS analysis are important due to constant changes in the popularity of “legal highs”, usually from several to a dozen of NPS are popular on the drug market at a given time. Therefore, it was decided to develop a research method for rapid screening determination of compounds from three groups of NPS: cannabinoids, tryptamines, and cathinones. The analyzed substances included 5-MEO-MIPT, N-ethylcathinone, UR-144, MDPBP, 3-MMC, XLR-11, 5F-AKB48, and alpha-PVP. As a result of the conducted work, a method enabling the analysis of samples containing 8 NPS in one minute, was developed. To achieve this, a Thermal Extraction Ion Source technique was applied in conjunction with a Triple Quadrupole Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TEIS-TQMS). TEIS can also be coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometers and ion trap mass analyzers for the analyte identification. The first use of TEIS-TQMS in the field of “legal highs” analysis is reported and its application enables the examination of “designer drugs” with a significant simplification of the sample preparation stage. Sample preparation for real samples involved a simple solid-liquid extraction with methanol and an addition of internal standard. Importantly, the high speed and efficiency of the TEIS-TQMS technique with analysis times as short as one minute per sample have the potential to substantially reduce the time required for toxicological evaluations, expert reporting, and overall case handling. This aspect is particularly valuable in forensic and prosecutorial workflows, where timely and reliable analytical results are crucial for supporting law enforcement investigations and informing prosecutorial decisions. As such, the proposed methodology may play a key role in streamlining the early stages of criminal proceedings, especially in cases involving large volumes of seized materials. The research method was validated in accordance with the ANSI/ASB norm. We have determined potential interferences, selectivity, matrix effects, and the limit of detection. Validation results included calculated limits of detection ranging from 0.01 to 6.47 µg/ml, matrix effects from −97% to 241%, and coefficients of variation from 9 to 84%. The usefulness of the developed method was confirmed by analyzing real samples and the results were subsequently validated using LC-MS/MS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101349"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466205","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":"Proteomics in forensics: from source attribution to reconstruction of events","authors":"Shirin Alex ,&nbsp;Thomas P. Shehata ,&nbsp;Andreea Iris Gergely ,&nbsp;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":"2025-11-01","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}

{"title":"Advanced deep learning for automatic classification of fired bullets from standard-issue firearms","authors":"Bai-En Guo ,&nbsp;Yao Shen ,&nbsp;Zhi-Fei Zhou ,&nbsp;Xing Liu ,&nbsp;Yu-Xin Wei ,&nbsp;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":"2025-11-01","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}

{"title":"The Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (FIRMS) network Good Practice Guide for Isotope Ratio Mass spectrometry 3rd edition","authors":"Philip J.H. Dunn ,&nbsp;Christopher Brodie ,&nbsp;Ethan Strak ,&nbsp;James F. Carter","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (FIRMS) Network announce the publication of the Third Edition of the <em>Good Practice Guide for Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry</em>. In the third edition, changes include a new chapter on sampling covering method of sampling a population, sampling for homogeneity testing of a material as well as considerations for measurement uncertainty arising from sampling. The measurement uncertainty section has been revised and expanded to touch on alternative methods to combine uncertainty components together. Methods for measurement of water isotopic composition using equilibration have also been added. Additional detail has been included to expand on topics such as the difference between a reference gas and a working gas, additional tests that might be performed to check instrumental performance and initial data processing such as peak identification amongst others.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101345"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362882","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":"Does explaining the meaning of likelihood ratios improve lay understanding?","authors":"William C. Thompson ,&nbsp;Rebecca Hofstein Grady ,&nbsp;Geoffrey Stewart Morrison","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most previous research exploring the understanding of likelihood ratios by laypersons has not provided participants with an explanation of the meaning of likelihood ratios. Although triers of fact in common-law jurisdictions usually receive oral testimony, most previous research has presented experiments in written format. The research reported in this paper presented participants with videoed testimony and tested the effect of the expert witness providing participants with an explanation of the meaning of likelihood ratios. Analysis included comparing each participant’s effective likelihood ratio (the posterior odds elicited from the participant divided by the prior odd elicited from the participant) with the presented likelihood ratio. The percentage of participants whose effective likelihood ratios equalled the presented likelihood ratios was higher for participants who were provided with the explanation of the meaning of likelihood ratios than for participants who were not provided with the explanation. The difference was, however, small. The percentage of participants whose posterior odds were consistent with them having committed the prosecutor’s fallacy was not lower for participants who were provided with the explanation of the meaning of likelihood ratios than for participants who were not provided with the explanation. The full set of results do not constitute convincing evidence that presenting the explanation of the meaning of likelihood ratios resulted in better understanding of likelihood ratios. We discuss whether there are factors other than participants not understanding the meaning of likelihood ratios that could have contributed to the results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101352"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528432","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(25)00149-2","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00149-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101365"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623858","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":"Current state and barriers to global adoption of forensic evaluative reporting of findings given activity-level propositions","authors":"Janet Stacey ,&nbsp;Stephanie Opperman ,&nbsp;James M. Curran ,&nbsp;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":"2025-11-01","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}

{"title":"Effects of ultraviolet exposure on latent fingermark visualization on expanded polystyrene surfaces","authors":"Bok-Chan Go ,&nbsp;Jiwon Shin ,&nbsp;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":"2025-11-01","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}