Forensics News and Research

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Scene-of-the-crime DNA analysis is moving a step closer

Currently DNA analysis is both time-consuming and expensive, but researchers at the Polymer Electronics Research Centre (PERC), within the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, hope to change that by inventing a system that provides direct, real-time detection of DNA.

4 Dec 2004

Call for a Senate Inquiry into the pharmacy industry in Australia

With the current Pharmacy Agreement expiring on 30 June 2005 and the current Senate configuration in place until the same date, Dr Glasson said the timing is perfect for a comprehensive review of the protected environment in which the pharmacies operate.

26 Oct 2004

Tabletop DNA test laboratory cuts disease diagnosis down to 30 minutes

British scientists have developed a tabletop DNA test laboratory that can cut the diagnosis of disease and infection from hours to 30 minutes. This new test laboratory will soon begin trials in UK hospitals.

24 Oct 2004

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and forensic genetics, maybe not such a perfect combination

Forensic genetics is the branch of genetics that, through DNA analysis and comparison, deals with the resolution of legal problems such as paternity tests.

21 Oct 2004

Toxicology is far from robust and based on flawed evidence

The science of measuring drug levels in the blood after death is far from robust and based on flawed evidence - leading to likely miscarraiges of justice and conspiracy theories, say forensic scientists in this week's BMJ.

17 Sep 2004

Normal teenagers are not ticking time bombs

Contrary to the psychoanalytic theory that children who appear to be well adjusted as adolescents are actually "ticking time bombs," most normal teenagers adapt to and benefit from life experiences, a Northwestern University study has found.

10 Sep 2004

Australian funding to assist with the investigation of clandestine laboratory operations

"Clandestine amphetamine laboratories have increased by 300 per cent and it is important that forensic experts have the opportunity to work together in what is one of the most important areas in the fight against illegal drugs," Senator Ellison said.

13 Aug 2004

Legislation introduced to enable Australia's national DNA database system to be used to identify the victims of disasters within Australia

Legislation has been introduced into Federal Parliament to enable Australia's national DNA database system to be used to identify the victims of disasters within Australia, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, said today.

11 Aug 2004

New twist to the 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S.

In a new twist to the 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S., the Federal Bureau of Investigation is searching 2 homes in new York and New Jersey which may be related to the attacks.

5 Aug 2004

Potential of genomics in disease research yet to be realized

Over the past decade genomics has revolutionized our understanding of how microorganisms cause disease. However, genomic studies need to be extended to a more diverse array of microorganisms and research tools improved to gain additional insights into pathogenesis, according to a new report released by the American Academy of Microbiology.

5 Aug 2004

Terrorists are sane, doctors claim

The widespread view that terrorists are isolated, vulnerable young men with paranoid or borderline personality disorders, is false. It is entirely perpetuated by experts relying on second hand reports, he told the conference.

10 Jul 2004

New tool that measures and assesses first and second-degree perineal tears

A researcher from the University of Birmingham has co-developed a device to significantly improve the maternity aftercare of many new mothers - and the invention could also help lead the way in forensic investigations.

9 Jul 2004

Results give Washington dairy cattle all clear from toxic substances

The Food and Drug Administration's Forensic Chemical Center (FCC) laboratory in Cincinnati has completed its testing of milk samples from cows exposed to a toxic substance in Washington State.

24 Jun 2004

A DNA fingerprinting technology will allow documents to be authenticated with an accuracy of billions to one

The system, which uses DNA fingerprinting, will allow documents to be authenticated with an accuracy of billions to one against duplication, according to the Australian scientists working on the system.

17 Jun 2004

Ancient DNA answers questions from the past

What does a 5000-year-old Ice Man, crime-solving mummies and life on other planets have in common?

26 May 2004

Australian graduate views drugs and crime from safety of laboratory

CQU graduate and former Rockhampton resident Andrew Stewart is now enjoying a career in Brisbane, Australia as a forensic chemist with the State Government Pathology and Scientific Services.

17 May 2004

British man charged for contaminating baby formula with boric acid

A British national was charged today with extortion and tampering with consumer products for sending several adulterated food items – including baby formula contaminated with boric acid – to the Ralphs grocery chain and demanding $180,000 to prevent poisoned food from being placed on store shelves.

7 May 2004

FDA to create database to help identify counterfeit pharmaceutical brands

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to create a database of the major pharmaceutical brands on the US market, to make it easier to establish the authenticity of suspect products and identify counterfeit versions that enter the supply chain.

3 May 2004

Compulsory community treatment orders (CTOs) alone do not reduce admissions to psychiatric hospital

Compulsory community treatment orders (CTOs) alone do not reduce admissions to psychiatric hospital, according to an important new study from Australia, published in the May issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

27 Apr 2004

New forensic tool to detect infectious diseases

Tests for the detection of infectious diseases in North Queensland will be faster and cheaper, thanks to the purchase of new equipment in James Cook University's School of Biomedical Sciences.

16 Apr 2004