The Future of Forensic Analysis Set to Release September 16th

Spectroscopy magazine recently announced the upcoming launch of a one-day online event titled, “The Future of Forensic Analysis” (1). This online content series will demonstrate how spectroscopic techniques and instrumentation is helping to advance forensic analysis, and how innovation in analytical science is improving law enforcement and investigative practices in the modern era (1).

Spectroscopy is pleased to officially announce that this online content series will officially launch on the publication’s website on Monday September 16th at 12:00 am EST.

The release of this content series is timed to coincide with National Forensic Science Week (NFSW), which is set to take place September 15–21st (2). NFSW celebrates the work of forensic scientists while spreading awareness about the field in collaboration with agencies, institutions, and organizational bodies (2).

Some of the highlights of this content series include news stories on recent studies, exclusive Q&As with experts in the field, and bylined articles. These offerings will touch upon some of the most important spectroscopic techniques that are used in forensic analysis, including (but not limited to) Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (1).

Forensic analysis is a critical component of legal investigations, involving the scientific examination of evidence from crime scenes to support justice (3). It utilizes a range of techniques like DNA profiling, chemical analysis, and digital forensics to identify suspects, reconstruct crime events, and verify alibis. This process ensures perpetrators are accurately identified while safeguarding the innocent, thereby maintaining public trust in the legal system (4).

Spectroscopy also plays an important role in forensic analysis by offering non-destructive methods to analyze evidence. It examines the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation to identify substances like gunshot residues, explosives, and bodily fluids (1,4). Chemometrics has also contributed to forensic analysis chemical data of bodily fluids (5). Techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy are commonly used to detect chemicals and drug residues (1,4). Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a particularly sensitive tool for analyzing trace evidence, including drugs, helping to reduce false convictions (6). These spectroscopic methods are vital for preserving evidence integrity and ensuring reliable results in forensic investigations.

Along with the one-day online event on September 16th, Spectroscopy is also excited to announce the release an e-book titled “The Future of Forensic Analysis” several weeks after the launch of the content series. This e-book will feature additional content not accessible on the website, including additional Q&A interviews and a peer-reviewed article. The release date of this e-book is expected to be released sometime in October 2024, and it will serve as the epilogue to this content event. More information about the upcoming e-book will be shared as its publication date nears.

References

(1) Wetzel, W. Spectroscopy Announces Upcoming Content Series on Forensic Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-announces-upcoming-content-series-on-forensic-analysis (accessed 2024-09-05).

(2) Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations. National Forensic Science Week. CFSO.org. Available at: https://thecfso.org/national-forensic-science-week/ (accessed 2024-09-05).

(3) Shehova, A. What is Forensic Analysis and Why is it Important for the Security of Your Infrastructure. Virtual Metric. Available at: https://www.virtualmetric.com/blog/forensic-analysis-and-the-security-of-infrastructure (accessed 2024-06-19).

(4) Kaveti, B. What Spectroscopy Techniques are Most Useful in Forensics? Azo Optics. Available at: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2456 (accessed 2024-06-19).

(5) Murphy, J. Spectroscopy Goes From Lab to Crime Scene. Laser Focus World. Available at: https://www.laserfocusworld.com/test-measurement/article/14282612/spectroscopy-goes-from-lab-to-crime-scene (accessed 2024-09-03).

(6) Mojica, E.-R.; Dai, Z. New Raman Spectroscopic Methods’ Application in Forensic Science. Talanta Open 2022, 6, 100124. DOI: 10.1016/j.talo.2022.100124