Forensic materials science approach

Typical Areas of Forensic Materials Science. In the following, some types of forensic materials and tasks involving them which arise in a crime laboratory are listed, and possible applications of the materials scientific approach to these substances and tasks are briefly described. 

We decided to make this ninth edition meet the needs of today s students by adopting a simplified approach in the content reviews, and eliminating the technical jargon. The solved problems were revamped to include replacement problems oriented toward real-world situations. We also added one hundred additional practice problems in areas such as forensics and materials science to reinforce students learning. 

While forensic science input is perhaps the most important, relevant information from several areas such as analytical techniques, toxicology, materials science, biology, etc. is often necessary. This means that the most effective approach is achieved through the formation of interdisciplinary teams for the attack on particular research problems. This interdisciplinary approach is, of course, required in any complex area involving problems of social relevance. 

The development of assemblies of inorganic materials with biomolecules has emerged as a novel approach to the controlled fabrication of functionalized nanostructures and networks.5 The practice of DNA sequence detection is especially relevant for forensic sciences, food safety, genetics and other fields.6 The immobilization of single strand DNA probes onto solid materials such as noble metal nanoparticles has proved to be the basis for a multitude of quite different nanobiotech-nological and biomedical applications, including the DNA driven assembly of nanoparticles and biosensors.5-11... 

Janaway, R. C. (1987). The preservation of organic materials in association with metal artefacts in inhumation graves, in Death, Decay and Reconstruction Approaches to Archaeology and Forensic Science (A. Boddington, A. N. Garland, and R. C. Janaway, Eds.). Manchester, UK Manchester University Press, 127-148. 

The development of monoclonal antibody probes specific to human albumin is the subject of this chapter. These antibody probes and the test methods were developed and evaluated for use in forensic science situations. Although these methods work well on soluble extracts of dried blood stains that are several years old, they have not been applied to archaeological material. The successful development of monoclonal antibodies specific to the human albumin molecule suggests that an approach similar to that used for identifying human tissues and blood on forensic evidence could be applied to any species of interest to the archaeologist. 

Nevertheless, if such an approach is to be used, then all underpinning forensic science principles should also be followed. The packaging and the data contained thereon should be recorded in a careful manner. The packaging should be opened and the materials subjected to morphological examination. They should then be re-instated and signature-sealed as appropriate. 

Again, of course, if this approach is used, full forensic science principles should be applied. The packaging should be described and documented and its condition noted. If the analysis is to be quantitative, then the material should be dried to constant weight. Both the fresh weight and the dry weight should be recorded. 

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