Innocence Blog

Science Thursday: Thanksgiving Edition

Posted: November 24, 2011 12:07 pm

While families across the United States focus today on the chemistry and art of cooking, we have plenty to report from the world of forensics. Here’s this week’s roundup:
 
The New York State Inspector General’s investigation of the Nassau County Crime Laboratory found errors in more than 10% of the cases that underwent retesting and systemic failure at all levels of the laboratory’s management and oversight.
 
A study in the journal Psychological Science revealed that false confessions corrupt other evidence in a trial, namely forensic evidence and the use of government informants.
 
Forensic Anthropology students at Indiana University -- South Bend conducted a field study by exhuming the body of a pig to study decomposition and identification techniques.
 
The New York City Chief Forensic Anthropologist determined that remains of what appeared to be a child’s limb was actually a bear paw.
 
Fire investigation techniques have changed from an experiential process to having a basis in research science. Experts continue to worry about the innocent people who have been convicted on faulty fire investigation techniques because it is taking such a long time for the science to be accepted.

A New York county has approved funds to build a new crime lab under the medical examiner in a new facility.

A U.K. company is marketing a device that simultaneously scans the fingerprint of a person and detects the  presence of a wide range of drugs using dyed antibodies  that stick to drug metabolites in the sweat of the fingerprints.
 
Mississippi and Arizona crime labs are training community volunteers to collect evidence at property crime scenes.