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Elsevier

Books in Forensic chemistry and biology

  • Forensic Serology

    • 1st Edition
    • Shanan S. Tobe
    • English
    This book provides a comprehensive and complete synopsis of forensic serology. It includes background information on different biological substances that we can detect, how the serological tests work, what the testing looks like, and how to interpret the results. Coverage includes all aspects of serological testing including basic presumptive testing, confirmatory testing, and new methods of testing, such as mRNA, methylation, proteomics, and much more.Forensic Serology is written at a level which anyone with basic knowledge of science can fully understand and may be of particular use to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as working professionals.

  • Postmortem Toxicology

    Challenges and Interpretive Considerations
    • 1st Edition
    • Timothy P. Rohrig
    • English
    Postmortem Toxicology addresses the various aspects of the practice of forensic postmortem toxicology from a viewpoint of elements which must be taken into consideration for proper interpretation of the toxicological result, not in a vacuum but in a more holistic and global sense. The volume examines pre-analytical factors, storage containers/condition... prior medical interventions and therapy, along with information from the scene investigation and anatomical findings. This reference also provides explanation of the complicating conditions for the interpretation of the toxicological results due to postmortem decomposition, embalming artifacts and the postmortem redistribution of drugs. Tolerance is also discussed as an aid to interpreting results from a habitual/chronic user of medications and/or drugs of abuse. The book is geared towards the current practitioner; however, it is written to be used as a valuable reference for a graduate or post-graduate level courses in forensic toxicology or forensic pathology.

  • Human Remains: Another Dimension

    The Application of Imaging to the Study of Human Remains
    • 1st Edition
    • Tim Thompson + 1 more
    • English
    Human Remains – Another Dimension: The Application of 3D Imaging in the Funerary Contextbrings together scattered literature on the topic, assimilating disparate pieces that relate to the novel use of non-invasive three-dimensional imaging techniques in the forensic context. All chapters are written by specialists in the field who use these types of imaging techniques within their research, bringing an engaging and comprehensive view that demonstrates the current use of 3D non-invasive imaging techniques using case studies. In addition, the advantages for using such methods, their current limitations, and possible solutions are also reviewed.

  • Forensic Plant Science

    • 1st Edition
    • Jane H Bock + 1 more
    • English
    Forensic botany is the application of plant science to the resolution of legal questions. A plant’s anatomy and its ecological requirements are in some cases species specific and require taxonomic verification; correct interpretation of botanical evidence can give vital information about a crime scene or a suspect or victim. The use of botanical evidence in legal investigations in North America is relatively recent. The first botanical testimony to be heard in a North American court concerned the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh’s baby boy and the conviction of Bruno Hauptmann in 1935. Today, forensic botany encompasses numerous subdisciplines of plant science, such as plant anatomy, taxonomy, ecology, palynology, and diatomology, and interfaces with other disciplines, e.g., molecular biology, limnology and oceanography.Forensi... Plant Science presents chapters on plant science evidence, plant anatomy, plant taxonomic evidence, plant ecology, case studies for all of the above, as well as the educational pathways for the future of forensic plant science.

  • Bloodstain Patterns

    Identification, Interpretation and Application
    • 1st Edition
    • Anita Y. Wonder
    • English
    Bloodstain Patterns: Identification, Interpretation and Application combines material from Blood Dynamics (2001) and Bloodstain Pattern Evidence (2007) with updated case work and scientific advances from medical and hard sciences. The text expands coverage of such areas as arterial damage pattern identification, staging of crime scenes, legal applications and problems from both sides of the bench, and extending teaching and training to those outside criminal justice. With violent offenders more aware of crime scene investigation techniques and attempting to frame others, the text expands outdated basic training programs that are insufficient to identify attempts to confuse the investigation. This book clarifies previous understandings as well as bridges the gap toward future advance courses. Based on the work of Paul Leland Kirk, the book’s focus is on first line investigators’ accuracy in identifying specific bloodstain patterns, correctly interpreting and applying them to casework.

  • Forensic DNA Biology

    A Laboratory Manual
    • 1st Edition
    • Kelly M. Elkins
    • English
    DNA typing has revolutionized criminal investigations and has become a powerful tool in the identification of individuals in criminal and paternity cases. Forensic DNA Biology: A Laboratory Manual is comprised of up-to-date and practical experiments and step-by-step instructions on how to perform DNA analysis, including pipetting, microscopy and hair analysis, presumptive testing of body fluids and human DNA typing. Modern DNA typing techniques are provided, reflecting real life, where not all institutions and crime labs can afford the same equipment and software. Real case studies will be used throughout.

  • Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology

    • 1st Edition
    • John M. Butler
    • English
    Intended as a companion to the Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing volume published in 2009, Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology contains 18 chapters with 4 appendices providing up-to-date coverage of essential topics in this important field and citation to more than 2800 articles and internet resources. The book builds upon the previous two editions of John Butler’s internationally acclaimed Forensic DNA Typing textbook with forensic DNA analysts as its primary audience. This book provides the most detailed information written to-date on DNA databases, low-level DNA, validation, and numerous other topics including a new chapter on legal aspects of DNA testing to prepare scientists for expert witness testimony. Over half of the content is new compared to previous editions. A forthcoming companion volume will cover interpretation issues.

  • Fire Debris Analysis

    • 1st Edition
    • Eric Stauffer + 2 more
    • English
    The study of fire debris analysis is vital to the function of all fire investigations, and, as such, Fire Debris Analysis is an essential resource for fire investigators. The present methods of analysis include the use of gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, techniques which are well established and used by crime laboratories throughout the world. However, despite their universality, this is the first comprehensive resource that addresses their application to fire debris analysis.Fire Debris Analysis covers topics such as the physics and chemistry of fire and liquid fuels, the interpretation of data obtained from fire debris, and the future of the subject. Its cutting-edge material and experienced author team distinguishes this book as a quality reference that should be on the shelves of all crime laboratories.

  • Bloodstain Pattern Evidence

    Objective Approaches and Case Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Anita Y. Wonder
    • English
    In Bloodstain Pattern Evidence, the concepts introduced in the author's first book, Blood Dynamics, are updated and applied to provide essential answers in the resolution of actual crimes. The book is accessible to all levels of investigators, regardless of academic background, and allows readers to develop a fundamental understanding of the underlying scientific principles behind bloodstain pattern evidence. Bloodstain Pattern Evidence builds on the fundamental ideas brought about by an understanding of Non-Newtonian dynamics, and illustrates through case work the practical forensic science applications of these principles to the analysis of bloodstain patterns.

  • Forensic Science Under Siege

    The Challenges of Forensic Laboratories and the Medico-Legal Investigation System
    • 1st Edition
    • Kelly Pyrek
    • English
    Forensic science laboratories' reputations have increasingly come under fire. Incidents of tainted evidence, false reports, allegations of negligence, scientifically flawed testimony, or - worse yet - perjury in in-court testimony, have all served to cast a shadow over the forensic sciences. Instances of each are just a few of the quality-related charges made in the last few years. Forensic Science Under Siege is the first book to integrate and explain these problematic trends in forensic science. The issues are timely, and are approached from an investigatory, yet scholarly and research-driven, perspective. Leading experts are consulted and interviewed, including directors of highly visible forensic laboratories, as well as medical examiners and coroners who are commandeering the discussions related to these issues. Interviewees include Henry Lee, Richard Saferstein, Cyril Wecht, and many others. The ultimate consequences of all these pressures, as well as the future of forensic science, has yet to be determined. This book examines these challenges, while also exploring possible solutions (such as the formation of a forensic science consortium to address specific legislative issues). It is a must-read for all forensic scientists.

  • Handbook of Forensic Drug Analysis

    • 1st Edition
    • Fred Smith
    • English
    The Handbook of Forensic Drug Analysis is a comprehensive chemical and analytic reference for the forensic analysis of illicit drugs. With chapters written by leading researchers in the field, the book provides in-depth, up-to-date methods and results of forensic drug analyses. This Handbook discusses various forms of the drug as well as the origin and nature of samples. It explains how to perform various tests, the use of best practices, and the analysis of results. Numerous forensic and chemical analytic techniques are covered including immunoassay, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Topics range from the use of immunoassay technologies for drugs-of-abuse testing, to methods of forensic analysis for cannabis, hallucinogens, cocaine, opioids, and amphetamine. The book also looks at synthetic methods and law enforcement concerns regarding the manufacture of illicit drugs, with an emphasis on clandestine methamphetamine production. This Handbook should serve as a widely used reference for forensic scientists, toxicologists, pharmacologists, drug companies, and professionals working in toxicology testing labs, libraries, and poison control centers. It may also be used by chemists, physicians and those in legal and regulatory professions, and students of graduate courses in forensic science.

  • Hallucinogens

    A Forensic Drug Handbook
    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Laing
    • English
    Hallucinogens: A Forensic Drug Handbook is a comprehensive reference for everyone involved in the identification, investigation, and forensic analysis of hallucinogenic drugs. The text begins with a review of the history of these drugs and their abuse, and then takes an in-depth look at the many different types of hallucinogens, their chemical make-up, how they affect users, how they are manufactured and distributed, and how they can be detected and analyzed.Hallucinoge... covers the most commonly abused drugs such as LSD, MDMA ("Ecstasy"), and PCP ("Angel Dust"), as well as many lesser-known chemical substances that cause similar effects. Chapters have been contributed by leading analysts and investigators around the world, and are highlighted with numerous illustrations. This unique handbook will serve is a cross-disciplinary source of information for forensic toxicologists, law enforcement officers, and others involved in the fight against drugs.

  • Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

    A Forensic Handbook
    • 1st Edition
    • Marc A. LeBeau + 1 more
    • English
    Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault educates readers on the ways in which drugs are used as weapons in committing sexual assaults and how to successfully investigate these crimes. It looks at the history of these crimes over the years, and includes an in-depth discussion of the drugs and drug classes in use today. It describes the effects of these drugs on the victims, the process for reporting these crimes, details on the type of person who uses drugs to sexually assault an individual, and obstacles to investigating the suspect. The authors show the proper techniques in collecting and analyzing evidence; ways to overcome some of the unique difficulties encountered in these types of investigations; and how to work with other professionals to prosecute these cases successfully. The concluding appendixes are valuable samples of the necessary forms needed to complete these investigations. This book is ideal for anyone involved in investigating these crimes, including forensic scientists, law enforcement officers, lawyers, toxicologists, and medical professionals.

  • Forensic DNA Typing

    Biology and Technology Behind STR Markers
    • 1st Edition
    • John M. Butler
    • English
    Forensic DNA Typing focuses on the biology and technology behind short tandem repeat (STR) markers and the most common forensic DNA analysis method used today. This comprehensive handbook will help forensic scientists gain a better understanding of STRs and the procedures needed to properly analyze them, while helping professionals in the law enforcement and legal communities comprehend the complexities of DNA profiling. It will also help laboratories meet the training requirements in the new DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards. The first few chapters of Forensic DNA Typing provide a thorough introduction to the topic for readers who might be less familiar with DNA, while providing a useful review for more advanced readers. It goes on to cover new genetic markers and information on rapidly changing technologies to help professionals make accurate identifications through DNA typing. Detailed illustrations and examples are used throughout. The book concludes with reviews of the DNA testing performed in high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial, the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky affair, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings family controversy, and others. John Butler has been involved in the validation of the short tandem repeat markers that form the basis of the FBI's nationwide DNA database, CODIS, and in the development of new and innovative technologies. His talent for explaining complex information is apparent in the clear organization, illustrations, and straightforward language of this text. Forensic DNA Typing has already established itself as the standard reference in the field.Key Benefits: * Chapters cover the topic from introductory level right up to "cutting edge" research * Forensic scientists learn about the new methods and technologies required by STR typing * DNA laboratories find out how to meet the training requirements of the DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards (listed in Appendix III) * Lawyers and law enforcement professionals understand the science behind the techniques * All readers can use the information listed on suppliers of DNA analysis equipment, products and services