Technology  

Advancing technology has begun to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, so it is not surprising it is making a large positive impact in law enforcement. New forensic technologies are so advanced they appear to be science fiction at time, but they are assuredly science fact.

New forensic technologies are becoming so advanced, but they are definitely science fact. Using these new technology also helps preserve the integrity of the constitution. It is becoming extremely difficult to get away with serious crimes now, especially murder. You can feel safe knowing the five new and advancing technologies below are going to eventually deter crime and keep your family safe once the lowlifes of society know they will always be caught.

High-Speed Ballistics Photography

One of the new technologies forensic specialists are using in the field is high speed ballistic photography. Field specialists use special cameras to figure out how gunshot wounds, bullet holes, glass shatters and blood patterns are created. Identifying and matching ballistic trajectories with impact and exit wounds can only be done by someone well trained in breakthrough forensic science. You might look into degrees in criminal justice online if you’re interested in learning more about these processes.

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Video Spectral Comparator 2000

This machine is one of the newest and most valuable technologies available for forensic scientists and CSI personnel. The machine allows the special investigators to identify hidden or obscure writing on a piece of paper. Also, it accurately lifts indented writing. Finally, it is possible for the machine to lift writing from severely water or fire damaged paper.

The XFT Device

The XFT was designed specifically with Xbox in mind. It is becoming more common for criminals to hide illegal data in hidden files on the Xbox hard drive, and the XFT allows forensic investigators to have access to the hidden files and record them for court hearings.

DNA Sequencer

People have seen enough shows to know how crucial DNA is in a forensic investigation, but most people do not have a clue what advanced DNA sequencers can do. DNA profiling only goes so far because the sample can be too degraded to submit into evidence or get an accurate rating. When samples are too degraded, they can now turn to advanced DNA sequencers. They are able to obtain a unique DNA match from old bones or teeth by using DNA nucleobases.

Magnetic Fingerprinting and Automated Fingerprint Identification (AFIS)

Police officers, crime scene investigators and forensic specialists are able to easily and expediently compare a print with an entire virtual database. Recently, no-touch wanding and magnetic fingerprinting have been incorporated into the procedure, which allows investigators to get a pristine fingerprint from a crime scene minus any contamination.

Hyperspectral Imaging Drones

Decomposing human bodies make surrounding vegetation reflect light differently and produces darker soil. This allows drones with hyperspectral imaging to pinpoint locations to search for dead bodies. This saves time and money on searches so that the bodies can be found more quickly and identified. This technology will both help justice be served to the guilty and protect the innocent.

Sometimes the damage has already been done, but you need to take comfort in knowing these breakthroughs and continuing advancements will help keep society safer. Forensic science is a growing and advancing field. It is something you should investigate more if you love science and want to fight crime.

By  Dixie Somers

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Author Bio - Dixie is a freelance writer who loves to write about business, finance and self improvement. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.

Technology  

Bullets have evolved to become harder, more accurate, and far more deadly than ever.  Check out some of the science behind this transformation.

When you purchase a box of bullets from the store, do you ever stop to think of the shape of the bullet? How about how the shape of the bullet came to be? Over the course of several decades, bullets have evolved to become harder, more accurate, and far more deadly than they once were. It is even more astonishing when you consider the way that science helped shape the evolution of the bullet.

Forensics and the Bullet

Forensics is a term used to describe the scientific testing and analytical techniques used to solve a crime.

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Ballistics analysis plays a critical role in solving cases that involve a firearm. Thanks to ballistics analysis, a professional can analyze the marks on a bullet to determine the type of firearm that was used and even the angle in which the bullet was fired.

Forensics is just one are of science that has helped revolutionize the shape and size of the bullets you purchase today. Scientific studies can determine the accuracy and dependability of bullets used when released from a firearm. If testing shows that a bullet is inaccurate, they can be improved upon by changing up their casing and shape to improve their use.

Changes in Chemical Makeup

In the early days of makeshift firearms and flying projectiles, it was discovered that a mix of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter—commonly known as potassium nitrate—could ignite a small, yet powerful enough explosion to launch a projectile in a certain direction. However, science helped projectiles evolve from meager arrows to lethal bullets by changing the chemical makeup of the firing process.

Although modern weapons may still rely upon some of the ancient chemical reactions used way back when to fire projectiles—known by scientists as deflagration—the process has changed in that bullets now fire far more accurately than ever before. Whereas the range and accuracy of projectiles was once lacking, firearms and bullets have improved to the point that a person can perform trick shots, such as shooting aspirin off a nail head.

Of course, the only way to truly appreciate the ways in which science has assisted with the shape and evolution of the bullet is to try them out yourself. So grab up your targets, a box of ammunition and your favorite firearm with the help of coupons for Brownells.com and head out to see just what a bullet is made of. Just make sure you practice safety above all else.

By Anica Oaks

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Author Bio - A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.

Careers  

Thanks to a host of TV shows and movies, forensics is now one of the hottest careers in the country. More and more people are choosing to study forensic science and criminal justice in college in the hopes of joining this trendy, yet rewarding field after graduation.

The forensics field itself encompasses a variety of individual careers that all play an intricate role in putting criminals behind bars, and helping victims get justice. You can become a forensics professional yourself by choosing from among these newest careers in the industry.

Crime Scene Investigator

Criminal scene investigators have long been a part of this industry. However, today's CSIs must stay abreast of all of the latest technology and changes made to their field. They no longer rely solely on gumshoe tactics while gathering evidence and looking for clues. This career now requires that CSIs now how to use computer equipment and mobile technology to help solve crimes.

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Forensic Odontologist

A forensic odontologist specializes in identifying victims of crimes with dental records and unique orthodontic and dental work. When a victim cannot be identified by visual confirmation or even fingerprinting, an odontologist is brought into the forensics mix to examine the victim's teeth and match them with records from dentists and orthodontists.

Forensic Scientist

Both criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors rely significantly on forensic scientists to explain how and when a murder, rape, or violent act occurred, how and when a victim died, or outline other important details of a crime. Along with working in a lab to identify blood samples, DNA, body fluids, fibers from a crime scene, and other evidence, scientists also appear regularly in court to give testimony for or against a defendant. These scientists often are key to making a case become clear.

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists help design prison systems and methods for interrogation, as well as help decide if or when a criminal should be let out on parole or probation. These professionals work closely with caseworkers, therapists, and correctional specialists to ensure that criminals receive fair punishment for their crimes.

Forensic Nursing

A forensic nurse plays an important role in helping victims of violent crimes build cases against their attackers. These nurses perform rape kit examinations, take pictures, and carry out other tests to verify that a person has been the victim of a crime. They are also called to testify in court on occasion.

Forensics is one of the hottest careers in the U.S. right now. In this line of work you will collaborate with people across fields from the medical, legal, and scientific communities. You can stake your own claim in this field by choosing from among these newest forensics professions and finding connections everywhere from a local hospital or lab to a criminal defense lawyer in Lowell. Once you have your education and background solidified, the rest will fall into place.

By Brooke Chaplan

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Author Bio - 33rd Square contributor Brooke Chaplan is recent graduate of New Mexico University where she studied journalism. She loves to hike, bike, run and explore around her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She also enjoys blogging about health, fitness, fashion and many other topics.

 Forensic Science  

Since 2000 the number of Biobanks worldwide has increased by one third.  With DNA evidence increasingly being used in criminal cases, Elizebeth Coakley raises questions about biobanks' access and use of private genetic data.

While forensic science, at least by name, has been around for a long period of time, it has only recently become reliant on DNA evidence. Previously, evidence presented by people identifying as forensic scientists had been acquired through a number of means—testimony by dentists, footprint experts, mental health professionals.

In an episode of Frontline called “The Real CSI”, which first aired in April of 2012, the documentary crew reveals lapses in real science in forensic science, resulting in the false imprisonment of a shocking number of individuals.

The episode is startling in its discussion of the overly-simplistic process of obtaining a document certifying one as a forensic science expert—it is perhaps because of this coming under fire for faulty means of conviction and misrepresentation of degrees that forensic science has seen a shift to irrefutable DNA evidence.

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Such is the accuracy of DNA evidence that positive identification, arrests, and prosecution double in the presence of such evidence. Such is the accuracy of DNA evidence that all 50 states have at least one criminal conviction which demands the use of DNA evidence. And with new technology comes new problems—in 2011, the National Institute of Justice revealed that backlogged samples were as high as 100,000. The increase in genetic testing had led to a test bank so overburdened that it was slow and prone to errors.

The solution, in part, was an increase in the number and size of biobanks handling genetic testing storage. Facilities such as this assist in the storage of human tissue, serum, plasma, urine, and blood, and require extreme consideration of temperature. Though such banks have been around for at least 50 years, the industry has seen tremendous growth—1/3 of existing banks have been built since 2000.

With the invention and inclusion of facilities that manage sample storage by way of machine, it is no wonder that forensic science is making a name for itself as a reputable one, positively contributing to the capture and persecution of many criminals. But it is sparking debate too—are medical biobanks used for forensic purposes subject to the same privacy considerations as those focused on disease and population?

The answer seems to be a resounding no. While it may seem unfair to disregard the rights of donors for forensic use, the basic right to privacy is sometimes secondary to another—in this case, violent criminal investigation and conviction. And, though access to DNA databases held in biobanks has the potential to encourage reluctance of individuals to contribute DNA or perhaps perpetuates the idea that donors are simply being used to solve crimes—it works.

By Elizebeth Coakley

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Author Bio - Elizebeth Coakley is a freelance writer with a background in life science research. When she's not trying to explain cytometers, you can find her binge-watching The Walking Dead.