Keywords: Forensic Genetics, Forensic science, DNA Profiling, STR profiling, Touch DNA, Trace DNA, Forensic Trace Analysis, Edible Evidence, DNA degradation
Touch DNA analysis has become an essential tool in forensic science, enabling the recovery of trace genetic material from handled objects. However, the viability of edible items such as fruits as substrates for Touch DNA recovery remains underexplored, despite their frequent presence at crime scenes.
This study investigates the recovery and persistence of Touch DNA from six commonly encountered fruits—apples, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, oranges, and lemons—selected to represent a spectrum of surface textures and biochemical compositions.
Three individuals with varying DNA shedding profiles handled each fruit type, and DNA was collected at five post-deposition time intervals (0 hours to 7 days). DNA was extracted and quantified using standard forensic protocols, followed by STR profiling. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was used to assess the effects of fruit type, surface texture, and time on DNA yield and profile completeness.
Smooth-surfaced fruits (apples and grapes) yielded the highest DNA concentrations and retained the most alleles over time, with apples maintaining near-complete profiles after 7 days. In contrast, rough or porous fruits (strawberries and raspberries) exhibited significantly lower recovery rates and substantial allelic dropout. Moisture-rich, acidic fruits (oranges and lemons) showed moderate DNA persistence, with degradation accelerating after 3 days. Statistically significant differences were observed in both DNA concentration (p = 0.024) and allele counts (p = 1.09 × 10⁻⁵) across fruit types.
Surface morphology, internal composition, and time since deposition critically influence Touch DNA recovery from fruits. These findings highlight the potential forensic value of edible evidence and support its inclusion in trace DNA protocols. As fruits and other food items are frequently encountered at crime scenes, expanding forensic attention to such substrates may enhance investigative outcomes. Further research under variable environmental conditions is recommended to validate these findings in practical casework settings.
Keywords: Black-box studies; Forensic footwear analysis; Indian Evidence Act; Legal admissibility; Randomly acquired characteristics; 3D scanning.
The forensic discipline of footwear analysis is currently navigating a period of profound transition as the field evolves from an experience-based craft into a technologically sophisticated and data-driven science (Adair, 2010). This paradigm shift was largely precipitated by critical international evaluations, most notably from the National Research Council (2009) and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2016), which questioned the foundational validity of subjective pattern-comparison methods (President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, 2016). This comprehensive review examines the global evolution of the discipline, tracing the shift from traditional, destructive recovery methods like dental stone casting toward non-invasive digital capture technologies such as Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning (Thompson & Norris, 2018). It highlights the landmark 2022 Noblis black-box study, which provided the first large-scale empirical data on footwear examiner error rates, recording a false positive rate of only 0.2% among qualified practitioners (Hicklin et al., 2022). Furthermore, the review explores the Indian forensic landscape, detailing the historical significance of traditional trackers known as "Pagis" and analyzing how recent biometric studies on regional Indian populations are strengthening the scientific basis for human identification (Krishan et al., 2011). Legal admissibility standards are discussed through the lens of international frameworks like the Daubert standard and the recent Indian legislative reforms under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (Academy Standards Board, 2025). By adhering to current Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) standards and maintaining a strict digital chain of custody, the footwear community ensures that its evidence remains a reliable instrument for justice globally (Roy, 2025).
Keywords: Photon-counting CT, energy-integrating detector, radiation dose optimization, spectral imaging, spatial resolution, contrast-to-noise ratio
Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is an innovative technology in X-ray CT, providing direct photon detection and inherent spectral differentiation superior to traditional energy-integrating detectors (EIDs). A review and analytical evaluation examined 30 clinical and scientific CT data sets and 100 peer-reviewed articles (2010–2025) to analyze the effects of PCD-CT on image quality, optimization of radiation dose, and diagnostic performance. Technological advancements such as high atomic number semiconductors (CdTe, CZT), sub-millimetre pixel design, and charge-sharing correction were demonstrated to improve 10–20% spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) by 15–25% compared with EID-CT. Capabilities in differentiating between photon energies enabled multi-energy reconstructions like monoenergetic imaging and material decomposition without the need for extra dual-energy hardware, dramatically enhancing lesion conspicuity in cardiovascular, thoracic, and musculoskeletal imaging. Radiation dose analyses yielded 20–35% decreases with maintained or enhanced image quality via energy weighting and low-keV iodine optimization for improved patient safety. Technical limitations remained, including pulse pileup, charge sharing, and incomplete charge collection, despite these benefits, requiring more sophisticated calibration, detector cooling, and complex reconstruction algorithms to retain spectral fidelity and quantitative accuracy. Together, the results confirm that PCD-CT provides synergistic advantages of improved spatial resolution, enhanced spectral imaging, and maximum dose efficiency, a milestone toward more accurate and safer diagnostic imaging. Ongoing studies in system optimization and artifact removal are still critical to achieve the complete clinical value of this next-generation CT technology.
Keywords: Lip Print Patterns, Sexual Dimorphism, Gender Comparison, Forensic Identification
Lip prints, often referred to as cheiloscopic patterns, are a possible tool in forensic identification because they are exclusive to each person and do not alter over time. In order to appraise gender-specific characteristics and determine their relevance for personal identification, this study compares the lip print patterns of males and females. Lip prints were categorized using Tsuchihashi's classification after a sample of 50 people—25 men and 25 women—was gathered using a systematic procedure. A statistical analysis was conducted on the distribution and frequency of various lip print kinds by gender. According to preliminary results, there is a notable difference in the prevalence of specific lip print patterns between males and females, which may imply sexual dimorphism. These outcomes demonstrate the value of lip print analysis as a non-invasive, cost-effective aid in forensic investigations. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse populations is recommended to strengthen the findings and standardize its application in forensic science. According to the data, males were more likely to exhibit Type III and IV patterns, whereas females were more likely to exhibit Type I and I' patterns. The distribution of Type II was fairly equal for both sexes.