The identification of human biological fluids has been a significant component of forensic science for hundreds of years, yet the majority of forensically relevant body fluids still cannot be uniquely identified. Due to the increase in the abundance of forensic casework and the lack of confirmatory tests for many body fluids, protein-based methods . . .
Research: Indentification of Morphologically Similar Species of Necrophagous Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Oklahoma: Reliability and Application of Techniques in a Forensic Setting
The development of taxonomic keys for carrion-associating blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has greatly enhanced the field of forensic entomology by facilitating identification of species often associated with crime scenes. Keys for morphological identification of blow flies have been developed and refined by Whitworth (2006) and Marshall, et al. . . .
Research: Behavioral Characteristics of Maternal Filicide: A Case Study
The purpose of this study is to identify the history and behavioral trends of maternal filicide in the United States. This study examines six cases of filicide that were highly publicized by the media. The media tends to overdramatize certain aspects of cases, which then leads to the overshadowing of actual facts. The data was gathered from . . .
Research: Postmortem Distribution of Zolpidem in Aviation Accident Victims
Toxicological analysis performed by UPLC/MS provided accurate, precise, and rapid results that indicated the spleen, kidney, and lung all had a consistent postmortem distribution of zolpidem to that of blood. The results of this study confirmed there is a consistent postmortem distribution of zolpidem found in the spleen, kidney, and lung. The . . .
Research: The Empirical Evaluation and Examination of Breechface Markings on Ten Consecutively Manufactured Pistol Slides
Previously published research and case studies exist pertaining to consecutively manufactured tool marks and the individuality of those markings on tools. This study seeked to assess the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Theory of Identification and provide additional research into the investigation of characteristics potentially . . .
Research: A Validation of Promegs’s PowerPlex 16 HS System Testing the Strengths and Limitations
An internal validation study was conducted using the PowerPlex® 16 HS system to ensure proper performance on the Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer in the University of Central Oklahoma laboratory. Manual extraction with the DNA IQTM system was performed. The QuantifilerTM Human Quantification kit was used to quantify . . .
Research: External Validation of Consecutive Matching Striae Technology
Firearm and tool mark identification relies on criteria that have been accepted in the field to assist firearm examiners in determining if a bullet is fired from a particular firearm. In this research, criteria for firearm conclusions were reviewed, in light of current challenges by the scientific and legal community, concerning the reliability of . . .
Research: Validation of Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays for the Detection of Licit and Illicit Drugs in Human Breast Milk
There are many instances when mothers are unable to provide their own milk, which is the case with many prematurely born infants. Breast milk banks and facilities that process human milk provide an alternative solution to synthetic or animal derived infant formula, allowing babies to receive the benefits of human breast milk. There are many drugs . . .
Research: Emerging Infectious Disease: Ecological Niche Model and Molecular Identification of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Rodents from Oklahoma and Louisiana
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have devastating effects on wildlife. Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic EID that causes eosinophilic meningitis in humans and neurological illnesses in wildlife. Because A. cantonensis has been documented worldwide and continues to spread, it is a clear example of an EID of potential . . .
Research: Investigating the XBOX 360 with Kinect: Implications for Digital Forensics
The Microsoft Xbox 360 with Kinect is the latest online gaming device on the market. The addition of the Kinect gives the Xbox 360 the ability to control games without using a controller, to record voices and to snap digital images of the users. The Xbox 360 is recognized as a popular entertainment and educational device, as well as a platform that . . .