forensics

A police officer and detective lift the caution tape to enter the crime scene of a killing.

Sep 30, 2025

Understanding Bloodstain Patterns Better

New research findings could help forensic analysts more accurately determine how fast blood was traveling when it hits cotton fabric.

Apr 3, 2023

Can Investigators Use Household Dust as a Forensic Tool?

Researchers retrieved forensically relevant DNA information from household dust.

close image of police tape stretched in front of a section of green space

Mar 16, 2023

Forensic Study Sheds Light on the Remains of Infants, Children

The findings will help forensic scientists determine how long a young person’s remains were at a particular location.

Ann Ross, wearing a white lab coat, points to long, neon-colored straws that go through a skeleton.

Oct 10, 2022

Analyzing Murder Cases, Teaching Biology

Biological Sciences Professor Ann Ross examines the remains of humans to help determine how they died. She teaches NC State students how to do the same.

a human skull rests on a glossy black surface in front of a black background

Jan 4, 2022

Forensic Researchers Call for Proactive Efforts to Address Racism

The call responds to issues of systemic racism highlighted by the BLM movement.

Jul 20, 2021

DNA Assay Aids in Identifying and Protecting North American Wolves, Coyotes

A commercially available DNA assay could aid authorities in preserving protected wolf and coyote species.

two skulls rest on a table in the research lab of forensic anthropologist Ann Ross

Jul 14, 2021

Study: Let’s Replace ‘Ancestry’ in Forensics With Something More Accurate

The study highlights flaws in existing approaches to assessing and discussing ancestral origin.

May 21, 2021

Forensic Lab To Work With National Missing and Unidentified Persons System

NC State will help to bring closure to cases around the country.

Oct 1, 2018

New Research Aims to Help Catch Child Killers

NC State research will help law enforcement learn more from juvenile and infant remains in order to help bring killers to justice.

Jan 29, 2018

Bone Experts Offer How-To Video For Forensic Professionals

Researchers have created a how-to video to train forensic practitioners in using bone mineral density to extract more information from human remains.

Jan 23, 2018

Forensic Researchers Find Femur Offers Insight Into Age of Deceased

Forensic researchers have found a more accurate way to assess an individual’s age at death, based on the bone mineral density of the femur.

Jun 5, 2017

Forensic Technique Uses Forehead X-Rays to Assess Age of Juvenile Remains

Researchers have developed a technique that can provide an approximate age for juveniles based on a frontal X-ray of the skull.

Aug 3, 2016

Forensic Research Finds Bone Density Affects Size of Bullet Holes

NC State research finds that the density of bones in the skull affects the size of bullet holes in the skull. The finding is useful for law enforcement officials and medical examiners seeking to identify the caliber of firearms that have been used to commit murder.

Jul 26, 2016

Media Invited to Forensic Science Workshop on Clandestine Burials

Researchers will be training law enforcement officials and crime scene investigators on how to find hidden bodies and retrieve evidence that can help track down those responsible.

May 17, 2016

Research Finds Skull Condition Thought Extinct Is Actually Widespread

Some forensic anthropologists thought the skull condition called cribra orbitalia (CO) was a thing of the past – but new research finds that it is fairly common in both North America and South Africa.