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Current Forensic Science - Volume 2, Issue 1, 2024

Volume 2, Issue 1

Volume 2, Issue 1, 2024

    • Readiness for Southern Africa to Employ Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy

      https://doi.org/10.2174/0126664844316210241003070113
      Introduction

      Forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) has garnered significant interest in solving cold criminal casework and has proven to be the solution to numerous unidentified human remains (UHR). Forensic samples can be subjected to a private genomic database where whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technique to retrieve genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data is performed. After conducting bioinformatics analysis, the data can be compared with the data of other users on the genomic database to identify distant relatives.

      Objective

      The article aims to explore FIGG in investigating criminal casework and identifying human remains. Moreover, it aims to create awareness among Southern Africans and advocate for a comprehensive approach involving all key stakeholders and practitioners to ensure the ethical and privacy-conscious establishment of FIGG, with a particular focus on Southern Africa.

      Methods

      The study employed a qualitative technique, including a literature scan on FIGG. Interviews were done with various stakeholders, including SAPS detectives, forensic examiners, and overseas specialists.

      Results

      FIGG is gaining popularity in many countries as a supplement to existing investigative tools. It is labour-intensive and requires increased participation of Southern Africans in private genetic genealogy databases. Specific resources and dedication are required before FIGG can be successfully implemented in the region as a routine investigative tool to solve cold cases and identify unidentified human remains.

      Conclusion

      Implementing FIGG in the Southern African region is not imminent but may be considered.

    • An Extensive Analysis of Contemporary Studies Forensics Sciences in India

      https://doi.org/10.2174/0126664844310900240520073926

      Forensic science in India has evolved over 100 years, with the first official laboratory being the Calcutta Forensic Science Laboratory in Kolkata founded in 1952. Modernization has led to the establishment of numerous central, state, and regional forensic laboratories and advancements in technology such as DNA profiling, pathology, forensic toxicology, and forensic anthropology. As the need for forensic education in India increases, educational institutions and universities have started offering forensic science as a subject. India has collaborated with international forensic organizations to stay updated on global developments. Contemporary studies in forensic sciences are crucial for adapting to technological advancements, addressing emerging crimes, improving DNA analysis, promoting interdisciplinary approaches, and maintaining quality assurance and standards. Forensic science plays a significant role in the humanitarian efforts, including the identification of missing people and victims of mass disasters. Advanced imaging techniques are crucial in forensic investigations. Indian forensic science education is divided into undergraduate and postgraduate programs, offering bachelor's degrees and specialized courses in areas like forensic toxicology, DNA analysis, and digital forensics.

    • Review of Six Different Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Techniques for Forensic Science, including Advantages and Disadvantages

      https://doi.org/10.2174/0126664844274727231218061037

      Next-generation sequencing methods have advanced greatly since Sanger sequencing, allowing for increased data yield, productivity, and utility. Read time can be used to categorize the upcoming technological generations. This article summarizes the differences between the two technological paradigms, the second-generation (short-read) kind, and the third-generation (long-read) variety. Popular technologies such as Ion Torrent and Illumina stand in for short-read sequencing methods, whereas Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences are used to represent long-read sequencing approaches. The introduction of the first next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology about ten years ago completely transformed the study of genetics. Whole genomes are now mapped and published practically weekly as a result of speed and cost advances. The number of scholarly papers and conference presentations highlighting the forensic uses of NGS in multiple forensic genetic laboratories has somewhat increased from the previous year. These results show that NGS provides new opportunities for forensic genomic investigation. To gather more information from multiple specimens in a single experiment, combinations of different markers, such as Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion/deletions, and mRNA, can be used instead of the usual Polymerase Chain Reactions-CE techniques. The most significant forensic STR loci's true spectrum of variation and hitherto unknown STR alleles have been discovered. We will address the possible use of single-molecule sequencing and NGS in forensic science.

    • Peak Penetration Force during Stabbing of Chest Wall with a Ceremonial Sword

      https://doi.org/10.2174/0126664844267345240105094842
      Background

      The force required for a sword to penetrate the human chest was identified as an important issue for the defense in a case of homicide by stabbing. Previous literature on penetration force had tested knives but not swords.

      Objective

      The objective of the current study was to determine the peak force during penetration of a surrogate for human tissue with a ceremonial sword.

      Methods

      The sword was secured to an MK-10 Tensile Tester and forced to penetrate a pork rib cut at speeds of 350 mm/min and 1100 mm/min, including both regions of rib and cartilage for pork ribs without skin or covered with a layer of porcine skin.

      Results

      In the case of the pork ribs without skin, the mean peak penetration force at a speed of 350 mm/min was 11.0 N compared to a mean of 10.5 N at a speed of 1100 mm/min. The distributions of peak penetration forces at the two speeds were not significantly different. In the case of the pork ribs covered with porcine skin, the mean peak penetration force at a speed of 350 mm/min was 50.0 N compared to a mean of 47.6 N at a speed of 1100 mm/min. The distributions of peak penetration forces at the two speeds were again not significantly different.

      Conclusion

      Forces of less than 50 N would be required for a ceremonial sword to penetrate the tissues of the human chest, although there is a risk of penetration for forces as low as 5 N when the effect of the porcine skin is not considered. Furthermore, the force required for penetration did not vary significantly over a three-fold speed of penetration.

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