Category Archives: Uncategorized

N Korea accuses Malaysia forensics of collusion over ‘inconclusive’ autopsy

Forensic autopsies always get flack over inconclusive results that have political import. Now its Malaysia vs N. Korea regarding the airport/hospital death of Kim Jong-Un’s half brother, Kim Jong Nam. Four have been arrested in Kuala Lampur. Two seem to … Continue reading

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Musings of the bitemarkers while at #AAFS2017 in NOLA

Its always so thrilling to read about certain bitemarker oral presentations at the annual American Academy meetings. Some of this tribe’s upstanding founders and veterans bring out their guns to profess what they can do. It’s also an always impressive … Continue reading

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Entering the forensic twilight zone – ‘Cardiac pacemaker’ data meter proves guilt

DA’s come up with the most ingenious ways to ‘prove’ someone is lying. They usually need an expert’s help. It all started with throwing witches into rivers to see if they float or sink (Salem, MA). This new one is … Continue reading

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Crime Fighters are using your family’s DNA to find criminals – Is there a Problem?

“Familial searches take one entire class of citizens — the fathers, sons and brothers of convicted offenders — and turns them into suspects.” Erin Murphy “However, while the public can rest easier knowing the suspect is in custody, there are … Continue reading

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#AAFS2017 Proceedings In Digital Format

1381 pages. 2017aafs-proceedings

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#AAFS2017 Rules of Civility for all at NOLA – “SPIT not in the Fire,” etc

For the American Academy of Forensic Science conventioneers. There’s 92 more of these from a 1888 reprint of George Washington’s copy of Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation (starts on pg. 13). Updated for modernity and relevance. … Continue reading

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A new version of “fake expert” comes out of new WH advisory group.

According to ‘Rawstory,’  it’s lies, lies and how to make a living. To be fair, I’ve never heard of this guy. But looking at the information available at this time, he shows some extraordinary expertise from little to no credentials. … Continue reading

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Rules to follow about how to write/know what is a scientific paper – #AAFS2017

For those beginning in forensics or merely interesting in some insights to ‘scientific’ literature, this should be where you start. I would suggest you actually write these rules down as a handy reference. Some value points: Determine the differences between … Continue reading

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Know Your Rights: LinkedIn Access to scientists attending the #AAFS mtg in NOLA

This is for those traveling to New Orleans for the upcoming AAFS 2017 convention. Please pass this on to our international colleagues. Know what to say and what to do when CBP interviews “foreign” nationals at ports of entry. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/what-do-when-encountering-law-enforcement-airports-and-other-ports-entry-us?redirect=know-your-rights/when-encountering-law-enforcement-rights-airports-and-other-ports-entry-us

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Awesome list of recent NY Times articles about forensic science and police #AAFS2017

All of this is newsworthy and bridges forensic science, enforcement and criminal justice. Includes multiple pages of archives. Topics on page one: Maggots Familial DNA in crime and civil rights Crime scene photography of the deceased. Christina Cattaneo identifying migrants … Continue reading

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