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The decommissioning and relocation of forensic science laboratories presents unique challenges, balancing operational continuity, evidence security, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability. This paper outlines the phased decommissioning of Forensic Science Ireland's (FSI) former laboratory and its transition to a new, purpose-built facility in Backweston, Co Kildare. Over an 18-month period, FSI securely transferred more than 100,000 case files and 20,000 forensic exhibits, revalidated scientific equipment, and responsibly redistributed or disposed of laboratory equipment. The FSI decommissioning project was completed without data loss, disruption to urgent forensic services, or compromise of evidentiary integrity. Our experiences highlight the importance of meticulous planning, phased scheduling, stakeholder engagement, and strict chain-of-custody controls. This article identifies key lessons, operational risks, and sustainability measures from both relocations and highlights the need for internationally recognised guidelines to standardise the decommissioning and transfer of forensic science laboratories.

Forensic scientists from local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies analyze evidence daily in which unknown substances suspected of containing illicit drugs are handled, weighed, and chemically processed. To address concerns about potential occupational exposures to opioids like fentanyl and other illicit substances, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a multi-site exposure assessment among forensic laboratory personnel. NIOSH evaluated personal and area air samples, handwipe samples, area surface samples, and personal biomonitoring urine samples for cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and other metabolites. Thirteen of the 91 personal air, time-weighted average (TWA) samples collected exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)® Threshold Limit Value (TLV)® for fentanyl of 100 ng/m³ (8 h TWA), with exceedances observed at 4 of 11 sites. The ACGIH Surface Limit (TLV-SL) of 10 ng/cm2 for fentanyl was exceeded for 8 of 86 surface wipes taken in laboratories at 3 of 11 sites. Commonly touched surfaces found to be above the TLV-SL included laboratory scales, keyboards, return air vents, the top of a light fixture, and inside a laboratory hood. Similarly, there were detectable concentrations in air and surface samples for cocaine and methamphetamine. Eight of 11 sites had at least one person with some detectable level of an illicit drug or metabolite in a urine sample. Based on the results of the current study, safety thresholds for fentanyl were exceeded. For other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin, thresholds have not been established to protect these workers. Due to the unpredictable nature of the evidence being handled, prudent occupational safety calls for minimizing exposure to chronic low doses of illicit drugs, as the health effects are unknown. To minimize exposure risk, best practices were identified from the literature and provided to each laboratory. Since potential health hazards have not been clearly established for chronic low-dose exposures, more research could lead to a better understanding of the potential health effects, if any, on workers.

Modern forensic odontology is undergoing a digital transformation associated with the introduction of 3D technologies and the creation of specialized digital databases. These innovations radically change traditional approaches to personal identification, providing increased accuracy, speed and objectivity of analysis. The use of 3D scanning, CAD/CAM systems, computed tomography, and 3D printing makes it possible to create highly detailed digital models of the maxillofacial region that can be used to identify individuals in cases of mass disasters, criminal investigations, and when working with severely damaged remains. Despite the obvious advantages, the integration of these technologies faces challenges of standardization, implementation costs, and cybersecurity. A systematic search and analytical review of scientific literature published over the past 10 years (2014-2024) was conducted. Relevant publications were searched in international electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science) and in Russian scientific electronic libraries (eLibrary, CyberLeninka). The inclusion criteria were: focus on the application of 3D technologies (3D scanning, CAD/CAM, 3D printing) and/or digital databases in the context of forensic dentistry; description of specific clinical cases or research techniques; the presence of an analysis of advantages, limitations and prospects. Articles that did not contain original data were excluded, as well as publications that were not available in full text. As part of the study, 20 publications were selected from the proposed 254 that meet the specified inclusion criteria. Современная судебная одонтология переживает цифровую трансформацию, связанную с внедрением 3D-технологий и созданием специализированных цифровых баз данных. Эти инновации кардинально меняют традиционные подходы к идентификации личности, обеспечивая повышенную точность, скорость и объективность анализа. Использование 3D-сканирования, CAD/CAM-систем, компьютерной томографии и 3D-печати позволяет создавать высокодетализированные цифровые модели челюстно-лицевой области, которые могут использоваться для установления личности в случаях массовых катастроф, криминальных расследований и при работе с сильно поврежденными останками. Несмотря на очевидные преимущества, интеграция этих технологий сталкивается с проблемами стандартизации, затрат на внедрение и обеспечения кибербезопасности. Проведен аналитический обзор научной литературы, опубликованной за последние 10 лет (2014—2024 гг.). Поиск релевантных публикаций осуществлялся в международных электронных базах данных (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science) и в российских научных электронных библиотеках (eLibrary, CyberLeninka). Критериями включения являлись фокус на применении 3D-технологий (3D-сканирование, CAD/CAM, 3D-печать) и/или цифровых баз данных в контексте судебной стоматологии; описание конкретных клинических случаев или исследовательских методик; наличие анализа преимуществ, ограничений и перспектив. Исключались статьи, не содержащие оригинальных данных, а также публикации, недоступные в полном тексте. В рамках исследования из предложенных 254 отобрано 20 публикаций, отвечающих указанным критериям включения.

Fatal intraspecific aggression in brown bears (Ursus arctos) remains poorly documented, yet elucidating its dynamics is critical in order to understand species' physiology, informing management strategies, and advancing wildlife forensic science applications, which are useful in cases where a natural or illegal cause of death needs to be discerned. In this study, we reported four confirmed cases of lethal aggression (two yearlings and two adults) in the Italian Alps. Comprehensive autopsies were performed to characterize lesion patterns and infer the aggressor identity. Claw-induced lacerations, bite marks and the aspect of hemorrhages suggested the attack sequence. Aggressor identity was investigated by using forensic odontology through inter-canine distance (I-CD) and genetic analysis of peri-lesional saliva. I-CD allowed us to plausibly hypothesize the aggressor's species and, in the cases where it was possible, to classify the sex and/or age group of the aggressors. While genetic analysis allowed the identification of the four brown bear victims, it did not provide informative results on the aggressors. The cause and manner of death were coded according to international criteria (International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision [ICD-11], WHO). Adult fatalities, supported by gastric content analysis, reflect trophic competition regardless of the mating context and highlight the role of anthropogenic food sources in conflict emergence. These findings underscore the value of integrated approaches in wildlife investigations and provide new insights into ecophysiological factors driving lethal intraspecific aggression.

Shotgun sequencing has emerged as a powerful tool in forensic genetics, as it allows for comprehensive genetic profiles to be generated from highly degraded DNA. The method enables simultaneous access to a wide range of markers, thereby supporting applications such as human identification (HID), DNA intelligence, and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). However, the accuracy and utility of shotgun sequencing data are highly dependent on the bioinformatic analysis. In this study, we benchmarked widely used bioinformatic tools using shotgun sequencing data from both high-quality (blood and buccal) and low-quality (hair) forensic samples. Specifically, we evaluated five alignment algorithms (Bowtie2, BWA-ALN, BWA-MEM, CLC, and CLC LightSpeed), four genotype calling methods (ANGSD, ATLAS, GATK HaplotypeCaller, and a custom rule-based approach), and three imputation methods (Beagle4.1, Beagle5.4, and GLIMPSE2). All investigated tools were found to be suitable for analysing high-quality reference samples. However, their performance varied significantly when applied to low-quality (hair) forensic samples. The combination of BWA-MEM, ANGSD, or GATK HaplotypeCaller, and imputation with GLIMPSE2 produced the lowest degree of discordance. The work presented here emphasises the importance of informed bioinformatic tool selection and optimisation, and it provides practical recommendations for analysing shotgun sequencing data in forensic genetics.

Forensic epigenetics is emerging as a powerful extension of traditional forensic genetics, offering the capacity to infer age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures from epigenetic marks. Yet its promise is shadowed by significant ethical, legal, and social questions. This article analyzes the scientific foundations and practical applications of forensic epigenetic techniques while interrogating their implications for privacy, discrimination, and human rights. It argues that the promise of enhanced investigative capability must be balanced against risks of misuse, stigmatization, and function creep. Drawing on comparative perspectives in law and bioethics, the authors emphasize the importance of proportional governance frameworks that uphold transparency, accountability, and respect for persons. Suggestions are made for the responsible integration of epigenetic data in forensic contexts, if and when, it meets sufficiently rigorous standards.

The integration of 3D scanning technology in forensic practice represents a significant advancement in the documentation and analysis of crime scenes and post-mortem autopsy examinations. Traditional 2D imaging methods often fail to capture the complexity of spatial relationships and details vital for thorough investigations and their presentation during court proceedings. As such, the use of a dedicated 3D scanner, specifically designed for forensic applications, is essential to mitigate inaccuracies and reduce the need for open tools in forensic practice. Our newly developed prototype 3D scanner offers superior accuracy and reliability in capturing intricate details during autopsies. It is dedicated specifically to forensic practice due to its closed software circuit, which eliminates the need for open tools. It enables reproducibility in any location and features easy-to-use hardware and software, not to mention user-friendly manipulation. Nowadays, commonly used LiDAR scanners have gained popularity in various fields among both professionals and laypeople. Nevertheless, their limitations in precision have not yet been studied. Another problem might arise due to inaccuracies in point cloud data recovery, which can lead to significant misinterpretations with adverse consequences, especially in legal contexts. Moreover, the security of legally sensitive scanned data stored on open clouds remains questionable. This paper will discuss the advantages of employing a high-resolution, custom-designed 3D scanner over the use of commercially accessible, well-promoted devices during autopsy procedures.

Personal history of migration poses an important risk factor for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), which are also associated with a higher rate of criminal behavior. To enhance care for migrants, a vulnerable and often stigmatized group in both general and forensic psychiatry, this study investigates clinical, therapeutic, and psychopathological differences between non-European migrants diagnosed with SSD treated in forensic and general psychiatric settings. The aim is to identify factors that may influence pathways into the criminal justice system and pose challenges for the therapeutic process, rather than directly predicting criminal behavior. We compared retrospectively obtained data of 52 general (GPP) and 104 forensic psychiatric (FPP) inpatients - all with a history of migration from non-European countries and treated in Zurich, Switzerland. To detect complex variable patterns, supervised machine learning models were applied to a training dataset. The best algorithm was then used to assess the predictive power of nine out of 174 possible predictor variables in a validation dataset. Two positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) items (uncooperativeness, poor impulse control) and the modified sum score upon discharge (mean 14.5 for GPP vs. 10.8 for FPP), previous treatments (more frequent treatment for GPP: inpatient 96% vs. 69%; outpatient 81% vs. 37%), medication strategies regarding antidepressants and antipsychotics, attendance to occupational therapy, and failed attempts of expanding patients' freedom influenced the model. The final model yielded satisfactory statistical properties (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 and balanced accuracy of 71.9%, including a specificity of 88.9%), demonstrating its strong predictive performance. General and forensic psychiatric inpatients with a non-European background diagnosed with SSD differ in various clinical variables. These findings may inform future psychiatric practices by identifying clinical and therapeutic variables that could support targeted interventions and potentially reduce the risk of criminal justice involvement among migrant patients with SSD.

This study refines a Bayesian probabilistic framework for adult age-at-death estimation based on root dentin translucency (RDT). Model comparison using the Bayesian Information Criterion demonstrated that a univariate model relying solely on RDT was the most parsimonious and efficient, achieving an R² of 63.60%. The framework was validated through entirely external samples: a Peruvian case study, and samples from Brazil (N = 247), the UK (N = 113), and Guatemala (N = 302). Bayesian updating using data from the Forensic International Dental Database (FIDB; N = 4522) substantially increased the strength of the evidence, with Likelihood Ratios rising from a mean of 2160 to nearly 10,000, elevating the inference to a level of very strong support and extremely strong support. Results confirmed the inter-population stability of the model and its capacity to mitigate the characteristic trajectory effect of overestimation in young adults and underestimation in older adults. This approach provides a transparent, robust, and globally applicable tool for forensic anthropology, successfully balancing statistical rigor with practical utility. Furthermore, it establishes a foundational platform, named BayAD, that enables the future integration of additional skeletal traits within an age-at-death estimation framework.

The intensification of illegal gold mining in Brazil has caused severe socio-environmental impacts, requiring mechanisms to trace the origin of illegally mined gold. Mining carpets used to concentrate free gold also retain heavy minerals, whose analysis can provide provenance fingerprints and support forensic traceability within the gold supply chain. This study evaluated the forensic potential of sediments retained in carpets seized by the Brazilian Federal Police across different geological contexts. Ten samples from five illegal mining sites in the states of Pará (PA), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), and Minas Gerais (MG) were analyzed. Following standardized sediment recovery procedures, a multi-analytical approach was applied, integrating grain-size analysis, XRD, XRF, heavy minerals and SEM-EDS-EBSD. Textural results indicate that sediment texture is influenced by the type of mining operation (regolith- or alluvial-based) and carpet structure. Compositional data analyzed by multivariate statistical (PCA) revealed well-defined clustering among groups, reflecting geological settings. Samples from PA exhibit mineral assemblages dominated by altered minerals and iron oxides, associated with the Carajás Domain. The RJ sample is enriched in resistant minerals typical of granitoids from the Ribeira Belt. In contrast, samples from MG exhibit more diverse mineral assemblages, reflecting combined contributions from mafic rocks of the São Francisco Craton and granitoids of the Ribeira Belt. These results suggest that sediments retained in mining carpets can be used to discriminate different geological provenances. The integration of mineralogical, geochemical, and statistical data represents a promising approach for forensic comparison and may contribute to improving gold traceability.

Photography supports written and diagrammatic clinical documentation in forensic sexual assault examinations. In settings where specialist photographers are not available, clinician confidence in image capture affects the usage of photography as a clinical tool. A regional Australian health district with multiple sexual assault services across metropolitan, regional and rural sites had previously low usage of photography to support clinical documentation of injury. Smartphones were introduced as image capture devices and procedures were implemented to support their use and the secure storage of images. Training was provided to medical and nursing staff. In cases where injuries were present, the use of photography increased significantly from 13% to 27% (p = 0.0041). Surveys were conducted of clinicians to examine factors affecting use of and attitudes to photography in sexual assault examinations, both prior to and three years after introducing the new devices. Smartphones were generally well accepted by clinicians as an easy-to-use alternative to traditional single lens reflex (SLR) camera photography, particularly for documenting complex injuries that are hard to describe in words and diagrams alone. Smartphone photography may be particularly useful for rural and regional settings where clinicians have a lower caseload and therefore less regular experience with photography equipment, and no access to specialist forensic photographers.

This paper presents a semi-automated method for the forensic examination of handwritten character loops. The methodology is illustrated and applied to a case study designed to represent typical forensic handwriting casework, centered on a questioned acknowledgment of debt. An image analysis procedure was performed on both the questioned document and the control material provided by the person of interest (p.o.i.) to extract character loop skeletons and characterize their shape through Fourier analysis. Following this, a Bayesian probabilistic model, as proposed by Tzai et al. (2026), was utilized to assess the evidential value for discriminating between competing propositions concerning the writership of the questioned document. This specific model was developed to facilitate the joint evaluation of handwritten loops across various character types. Further experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of data quantity on accuracy, particularly concerning misleading evidence results.

DNA mixtures are common in forensic samples and limit the effectiveness of recently developed intelligence tools based on novel sequencing technologies, such as biogeographic ancestry prediction. DIP-STR markers, which combine a low-mutation insertion-deletion (DIP) with a closely linked high-mutation short tandem repeat (STR), enable allele-specific detection of minor contributors in two-person DNA mixtures and contain information on population structure. In this study, we evaluated a set of 46 DIP-STR markers across globally representative populations to assess their potential for biogeographic ancestry inference. Using both clustering and likelihood-based assignment approaches, major continental groups remain distinguishable even when the genetic information is limited to the small fraction of markers detecting the minor component of a mixture. These data show that DIP-STRs offer a complementary solution by providing both minor DNA detection and ancestry information in scenarios where standard panels struggle, such as challenging mixed DNA samples. Furthermore, modelling the distinct evolutionary dynamics of DIPs and STRs within haplotypes has the potential to improve both the resolution and robustness of ancestry inference. Together, these findings establish DIP-STRs as a viable tool for forensic ancestry analysis and provide a global reference dataset for future method development.

The interpretation of complex DNA mixtures remains a persistent challenge in forensic genetics. Although probabilistic genotyping systems for capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based short tandem repeats (STRs) represent significant progress, their applicability is constrained by the inherent limitations of CE platform when analyzing highly complex mixtures. Microhaplotypes (MHs) are multi-allelic markers compatible with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and present a promising alternative. However, the absence of methods for quantitatively interpreting NGS-based MH data hinders their practical application. To address this gap, we present SMART-MHmix, a probabilistic genotyping framework designed to model mixture profiles from NGS-sequenced MH loci and perform statistical evidentiary assessment. The framework calculates the probability of observed allele read counts conditional on their expected values, where the expected read counts are determined from the product of contributor template DNA amounts, locus-specific amplification efficiencies, and replicate-specific effects. The core likelihood calculation integrates three key components: a log-normal distribution modeling true allele signals, probabilistic models for stochastic drop-in and drop-out events, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling for robust inference. We evaluated the performance of SMART-MHmix using 104 synthetic DNA mixtures of 2 to 5 contributors, profiled with the MHSeqTyper47 kit (47 autosomal MH loci). SMART-MHmix demonstrated robust performance across all mixture complexities. Likelihood ratio (LR) analysis provided strong discriminating power, with LRs for true contributors reaching up to 1047 and over 86% exceeding 105 across all mixture complexities, and correct support for exclusion for non-contributors. Using a threshold of θ=1, both sensitivity and specificity exceeded 90% in all tested scenarios. Mixture deconvolution enabled accurate genotype inference for major contributors, with high values for both the number of resolved loci and match success. Inference of the second contributor was reliable when the major contributor proportion exceeded 60%. For minor contributors ranked third or lower (by template DNA proportion), both the number of resolved loci and match success declined as mixture complexity increased. Overall, SMART-MHmix represents a dedicated continuous probabilistic model for MH-NGS data, enabling reliable analysis of complex forensic DNA mixtures with the potential to outperform conventional CE-STR workflows.

Facial approximation aids identification of unknown individuals in forensic and anthropological contexts. Digital approximation methods estimate Facial Soft‑Tissue Thickness (FSTT) and facial shape from virtual skulls, which are meant to lower subjectivity. Yet substantial variability persists in predicted outcomes, particularly in the nasal and lower facial regions. AFA3D (Anthropological Facial Approximation in Three Dimensions), developed by Guyomarc'h et al. (2014) from French data, generates facial predictions using statistical shape modelling, FSTT‑based warping, and iterative algorithms. Earlier studies reported moderate error in the mouth and smaller errors in nasal and orbital areas, but its broader performance remains insufficiently evaluated. This study assesses AFA3D by comparing approximated faces with original facial meshes from 40 CT-scans, 10 each from Czech, Slovak, Egyptian, and French samples. Geometric morphometric comparison was conducted using Morphome3cs II. Across samples, 75.9-84.2% of facial surfaces fell within ±2.5 mm deviation. Systematic regional errors were observed in the nose, lips, chin, cheeks, and upper face, with males generally showing greater localised discrepancies than females. These patterns correspond to anatomical regions with limited skeletal constraint and to sex‑linked cranial structural differences, as observed in previous approximation validations. Overall, AFA3D produces predictions with consistent regional error patterns, underscoring the need for more detailed mapping of local deviations, better modelling of posture‑related influences, and continued refinement of automated approximation methods to strengthen forensic reliability.

Forensic entomology is widely used in death investigations to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). In South Korea, however, casework-based ecological data remain limited, particularly for indoor scenes. We established a collaborative framework with investigating officers in the Yeongnam region (Gyeongsangbuk-do, Daegu, and Busan) and compiled forensic entomology cases from 2019 to 2022 to summarize the occurrence patterns of necrophagous flies. Scene information and specimens were collected using a standardized field record form, and species were identified by morphological examination and confirmed by COI DNA barcoding. Occurrence patterns were summarized by month, region, and scene type. The primary colonizing species was operationally defined as the species with the longest estimated developmental time in each case. Among the 73 cases analyzed, 66 (90.4%) were indoor and 7 (9.6%) were outdoor, yielding 17 identified species. Lucilia sericata was the most frequently detected species (n = 55, 75.3%) across most months, followed by Sarcophaga peregrina (n = 16, 21.9%), Chrysomya pinguis (n = 13, 17.8%), and Chrysomya megacephala (n = 13, 17.8%). Regarding primary colonizing species, L. sericata predominated in indoor cases (n = 41, 62.1%), whereas Calliphora calliphoroides (n = 3, 42.9%) and Calliphora nigribarbis (n = 2, 28.6%) were the most frequent in outdoor cases. Overall, the observed patterns were broadly consistent with previous Korean surveys. These findings provide a casework-based regional reference for mPMI interpretation in Korea.

The human microbiome is ubiquitous across nearly all body sites and exhibits biological characteristics that enable stable detection under diverse environmental conditions. Microbial DNA can be analyzed even when human DNA is present in trace amounts or is severely degraded, supporting its potential as a complementary approach to conventional DNA-based identification. However, systematic validation of whether the microbiome simultaneously maintains individual specificity and long-term stability remains limited. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of the microbiome from the scalp, cheek, hand, and saliva of five healthy Korean participants over a period of up to three years. Intra-individual temporal stability and inter-individual variability were evaluated across multiple temporal scales, ranging from daily to annual intervals. Microbial community dynamics were assessed using relative abundance analysis, beta diversity metrics, and the theta-YC similarity index. Individual identification performance was evaluated for each sampling source using an XGBoost-based machine learning approach. Skin sites and saliva represented distinct ecological niches, with intra-individual similarity exceeding inter-individual similarity across sampling sites and temporal intervals. Although transient community shifts were observed in frequently exposed sites such as the scalp and hand under the four-season climate of the Republic of Korea, individual-specific microbial signatures were maintained over time. The XGBoost-based identification models achieved high accuracy, particularly for saliva (93.3%) and cheek (92.9%) samples. These findings support the potential of the skin and saliva microbiome as complementary tools for individual identification, particularly in forensic contexts where conventional human DNA analysis is limited.

Multiple interconnected parameters contribute to bone strength. The assessment of bone strength and fragility, which are crucial measures of bone health, is essential not only in the clinical setting for diagnosis but also in forensic medicine, where it aids in identifying the underlying cause of various bone traumas. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the bone strength parameters cortical thickness index (CTI), cortical bone thickness (CBT), endocortical area (ECA), and endocortical volume (ECV), and age, body mass index (BMI), and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in a female autopsy-population. Measurements were performed on the left femur and derived from 103 post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) images of females aged 24-95 years. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between age and all the bone parameters, except for ECA. When BMI was accounted for, there was still a significant correlation between age and CTI, vBMD, CBT, and ECV. Individuals in the underweight and normal weight categories demonstrated lower CTI and CBT values than those classified as obese. A significant correlation was observed between vBMD and the four bone parameters CTI, CBT, ECV and ECA. This study highlights the importance of considering various bone strength parameters and their relationship with age, BMI, and vBMD in assessing bone strength.

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