Monthly Archives: December 2023

Forensics: Perpetuating pseudoscience. Old-School Hair Analysis Is Junk Science. But It Still Keeps People Behind Bars

Posted on December 30, 2023 by csidds

The technique, developed before DNA testing, can’t definitively tie suspects to crime scenes.Try explaining that to juries — or some judges. — Read on scheerpost.com/2023/12/30/old-school-hair-analysis-is-junk-science-but-it-still-keeps-people-behind-bars/

Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bad Forensic Science, Bite Marks, Bitemarks, exoneration, forensic fraud, forensic science misconduct, human identification, junk forensic science, wrongful convictions | Leave a comment

Forensics: Cheaters in the lab. NYC Medical Examiner reviews 100s of cases in analysts probe

Posted on December 16, 2023 by csidds

New York City’s Medical Examiner’s office said Friday it is reviewing hundreds of cases in a probe of misconduct by three forensic analysts — Read on http://www.nydailynews.com/2023/12/15/nyc-medical-examiners-office-reviewing-hundreds-of-cases-in-budding-lab-scandal/

Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bad Forensic Science, Crime lab scandal, criminal justice, forensic fraud, Forensic Science, forensic science misconduct, US Crime labs | 1 Comment

Forensics: A Trail of Tears. How the Junk Science of Hair Analysis Keeps People Behind Bars – Mother Jones

Posted on December 15, 2023 by csidds

Each of these cases takes years to litigate and $ defendants don’t possess. The technique, developed before DNA testing, can’t definitively tie suspects to crime scenes. Try explaining that to juries — or some judges. — Read on http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/12/how-the-junk-science-of-hair-analysis-keeps-people-behind-bars/

Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bad Forensic Science, Bite Marks, Bitemarks, costs of wrongful convictions, Crime lab scandal, exoneration, Exoneration costs, forensic evidence exaggeration, forensic science misconduct, forensic testimony, human rights violations, junk forensic science, prosecutorial misconduct, wrongful convictions | Leave a comment

Forensics: Expert in ancient DNA and wildlife forensics helps identify Oct. 7 massacre victims | The Times of Israel

Posted on December 11, 2023 by csidds

Hebrew University Prof. Gila Kahila Bar-Gal uses her knowledge of difficult DNA extraction and physical anthropology as she volunteers at Abu Kabir — Read on http://www.timesofisrael.com/expert-in-ancient-dna-and-wildlife-forensics-helps-identify-oct-7-massacre-victims/

Posted in AAFS, DNA profiling, Forensic Science, human identification | Leave a comment

Forensics: DNA extraction produces STR markers. The evidential value of dental calculus in the identification process | Scientific Reports

Posted on December 9, 2023 by csidds

DNA analysis-based identification is by far the gold standard in forensic genetics and it should be performed in every case involving human remains or unidentified bodies. Bones and teeth are the preferred source of human DNA for genetic analysis. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in DNA profiling, Forensic Dentistry, Forensic Science, human identification | Leave a comment

Forensics: Getting rid of bitemark believers. Updated Evidence Rule Warns Judges Against Junk Science

Posted on December 1, 2023 by csidds

Changes to a new federal rule of evidence will go into effect on Friday, reminding judges that they should be extra vigilant about not allowing “junk science” from expert witnesses to reach juries. — Read on news.bloomberglaw.com/employee-benefits/updated-evidence-rule-warns-judges-against-junk-science

Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bad Forensic Science, Bite Marks, Bitemarks, criminal justice, expert testimony, forensic evidence exaggeration, forensic science misconduct, junk forensic science, wrongful convictions | Leave a comment