forensics

Sep 28, 2015

Study: Ancestral Background Can Be Determined by Fingerprints

A proof-of-concept study finds that it is possible to identify an individual’s ancestral background based on his or her fingerprint characteristics – a discovery with significant applications for law enforcement and anthropological research. 

Apr 15, 2015

Researchers Can Trace Dust Samples Using Fungal DNA

Researchers have developed a statistical model that allows them to tell where a dust sample came from within the continental United States based on the DNA of fungi found in the sample. The work offers law enforcement a new forensic biology tool. 

Mar 5, 2015

Study Upends Conventional Wisdom, Finds Significant Facial Variation in Pre-Columbian South America

Researchers have found significant differences in facial features between pre-Columbian peoples in Peru – disproving a longstanding perception that these groups were physically homogenous. 

Dec 10, 2013

Can You Tell Which Skull Is Which?

A recent study from NC State forensic anthropologists found that even forensic experts have a hard time making a positive identification of human remains based on the shape of a person’s skull. Specifically, only 56 percent of forensic anthropology Ph.D.s (the bone experts) could correctly match two images of the same skull, based solely on the… 

Sep 10, 2013

Face-to-Face: Skull Study Shows Variation of Pre-Columbian Cultures in Mexico

Analysis of the skulls of prehistoric peoples in Mexico reveals significant regional variation in the facial characteristics of indigenous populations – indicating that there were notable physical differences between geographically separate groups before the arrival of Europeans. 

May 1, 2013

Cretaceous Cold Case No. 2, Part 1: It’s a Trap?

This is part one of the second post in a series called “Cretaceous Cold Cases” in which the science of taphonomy, or prehistoric forensics, is explained  using fascinating cases from the files of Terry “Bucky” Gates, a research scientist with a joint appointment at NC State and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Part 2… 

Jan 24, 2012

A Guided Tour Of The Bone Lab – Or, Forensic Anthro 101

Last week, NC State hosted the ScienceOnline2012 conference, bringing together a wide variety of people with an interest in communicating about science. During the conference, I had the opportunity to lead a small group of attendees on a tour of the forensic anthropology labs at NC State. The folks on the tour really enjoyed it, so I… 

Jan 23, 2012

NC State forensic sciences: Research for the real world

NC State research doesn't live only in the lab: our forensic scientists have helped law enforcement close cases. 

Jan 23, 2012

CSI: NC State

NC State experts unlock the secrets of soil samples, skulls, fibers and more to help law enforcement turn cold cases into convictions. 

Jan 23, 2012

NC State forensic sciences: Virtual crime scene

With 3-D modeling, NC State researchers are recreating crime scenes for law enforcement. 

Jan 23, 2012

NC State forensic sciences: dye database

Researchers in the College of Textiles are building a database that can offer more certainty to investigators using fibers as evidence in court. 

Jan 23, 2012

NC State forensic sciences: skull mapping

NC State anthropology professor has helped develop skull-mapping software that can trace the ancestry of skulls found by police. 

Aug 25, 2011

Advances In Forensic Anthropology: Creating A Face

Note: This is the third of three posts outlining recent technological advances in forensic science, which were the focus of a workshop held earlier this month at NC State. The workshop, Advances In Forensic Anthropology, was funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and organized by the National Forensic Science Technology Center. When trying to… 

Aug 23, 2011

Advances In Forensic Anthropology: Database For The Unidentified

Note: This is the second of three posts outlining recent technological advances in forensic science, which were the focus of a workshop held earlier this month at NC State. The workshop, Advances In Forensic Anthropology, was funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and organized by the National Forensic Science Technology Center. When a loved… 

Aug 19, 2011

Advances In Forensic Anthropology: 3D-ID

Note: This is the first of three posts outlining recent technological advances in forensic science, which were the focus of a workshop held earlier this month at NC State. The workshop, Advances In Forensic Anthropology, was funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and organized by the National Forensic Science Technology Center. Sometimes law enforcement…