Forensics News and Research

RSS

Novel approach for treating cognitive impairments

Researchers have been seeking a safe and effective way to treat cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia by enhancing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. Functional deficits in NMDA receptors may contribute to the underlying neurobiology of this disorder.

9 Jun 2009

Glucose metabolism and recidivism of severe violent crimes in alcohol intoxications

It is commonly known that alcoholism and alcohol intoxications are connected with severe violent crimes such as homicides. For instance, in Finland even 80 per cent of these crimes happen in alcohol intoxications. It has not, however, been clear why only a minority of alcoholics in intoxications become irritated and impulsively aggressive or even commit severe violent crimes.

1 Jun 2009

The impact of third hand smoke on risk for genetic mutations wins Addiction Science Award

A resourceful study into the effect of third hand smoke upon the risk for genetic mutations in fruit flies won the top Addiction Science Award at this year's Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world's largest science competition for high school students.

18 May 2009

Study shows alcohol consumption does not affect how men judge the age of a women

A new study led by the University of Leicester has demonstrated that consuming alcohol did not affect how men judged the age of women.

20 Apr 2009

Basic guides to PCR, labeling neurons featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols

Along with new cutting-edge methods, Cold Spring Harbor Protocols is home to an in-depth library of basic laboratory methods.

1 Apr 2009

Microfluidic Systems granted U.S. patent for automated microfluidic DNA separation cartridge

Microfluidic Systems, a privately-held company, announced today that they were granted US patent number 7,491,527 for an automated microfluidic DNA separation cartridge.

30 Mar 2009

Link between sleeping medicine use and driving impairment

A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health shows a positive link between the amount of the hypnotic (sleeping medicine) zopiclone in the blood and the chance of being assessed as impaired in a clinical examination.

29 Mar 2009

New cutting-edge forum for forensic medicine

A new communicative forum for forensic medicine and science has been established at the University of Sydney to help provide more effective forensic services across NSW.

11 Mar 2009

20 percent of sexual assaults drug-facilitated in Canadian study

More than 20% of sexual assaults in a sample of 882 victims were drug-facilitated sexual assaults, found a new study published in CMAJ.

2 Mar 2009

Traces of blood are eliminated completely when washed with detergents containing active oxygen

A team of scientists from the University of Valencia (UV) has proven that traces of blood in various materials are eliminated completely when they are washed with detergents containing active oxygen.

18 Feb 2009

Sheer scale of bushfire devastation revealed as death toll rises

As Australians come to terms with the sheer scale of the destruction from the fires in Victoria, on an almost hourly basis the grisly search for survivors uncovers more victims.

9 Feb 2009

Mental illness by itself does not predict future violent behavior

People with mental illness alone are no more likely than anyone else to commit acts of violence, a new study by UNC researchers concludes.

2 Feb 2009

Aribex awarded patents for NOMAD handheld X-ray system

Aribex, Inc. has announced that it has been allowed a second U.S. patent for its NOMAD Handheld X-ray System.

19 Jan 2009

Research looks at differential rates of psychoses by ethnicity

Researchers examining the occurrence of psychoses among migrant groups have shown a raised incidence for all black and ethnic minority subgroups compared with white British counterparts, and reveal that the risk of psychoses for first and second generations varies by ethnicity.

5 Nov 2008

DIY high-tech microscope

A resourceful lecturer at the University of Essex has turned his hand to a spot of DIY and built a high-tech microscope that will transform the university's ability to undertake specialist medical and biological research.

3 Nov 2008

Research explores potential link between surname and Y chromosome type

Scientists at the world-leading Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester - where the revolutionary technique of genetic fingerprinting was invented by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys- are developing techniques which may one day allow police to work out someone's surname from the DNA alone.

12 Oct 2008

Camera in teddy bear catches carer thieving from sick elderly woman

A carer caught on camera stealing from her sick and elderly client has been sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to two charges of theft.

20 Aug 2008

Structure and composition of hepatitis B virus now mapped

Using a newly developed method, Utrecht University researchers have mapped the structure and composition of the hepatitis B virus.

28 Jul 2008

Hypnosis slows impacts of dementia and improves quality of life

A scientist at the University of Liverpool has found that hypnosis can slow down the impacts of dementia and improve quality of life for those living with the condition.

28 Jul 2008

Forensic psychiatric inpatients with tattoos are significantly more likely to suffer from ASPD

The presence of tattoos on forensic psychiatric inpatients should alert clinicians to a possible diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), and also about the potential for histories of suicide attempt, substance abuse, and sexual abuse, according to research published in the UK Journal 'Personality and Mental Health'.

16 Jul 2008