Keywords: social media forensics, digital evidence, anti-forensics, metadata analysis, forensic tools, cybercrime detection
Social media forensics (SMF) has emerged as a critical subdomain of digital forensics, addressing the complex task of collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence from dynamic, user-driven platforms. As social media plays an increasingly central role in communication, crime, and civil disputes, investigators face significant obstacles related to data volatility, platform encryption, legal jurisdiction, and user privacy. This review explores the foundational theories behind SMF, the legal frameworks that govern its practice, the array of technical tools and methodologies used for investigation, and the tactics employed by adversaries to evade detection or manipulate evidence. Special emphasis is placed on the evolving threat landscape, including deepfakes, ephemeral messaging, and decentralized platforms, as well as emerging solutions in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and real-time forensics. The paper concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the strategic, technological, and policy innovations needed to strengthen forensic readiness and ensure the integrity of digital investigations in an increasingly complex online ecosystem.
Keywords: Neural networks, Cybersecurity, Artificial intelligence, Neuroscience-inspired models, Intrusion detection, Deep learning
Today, cybercrimes are becoming more complex and harder to stop using only human efforts. To help with this, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are used to improve cybersecurity. ANNs are also inspired by how the human brain works. They learn from data, just like the brain learns from experience. In this paper, we explain how ANNs can find and stop cyberattacks by recognizing patterns and detecting unusual behavior. While the human brain uses thinking and past knowledge to understand threats, ANNs use training and fast calculations to react in real time. For example, ANNs can stop hackers by locking access when they see something suspicious. They can also protect important data using special codes and recover it safely if there is a breach. We compare how the human brain and ANNs work in the field of cybercrime. This research shows that ANNs can help make digital systems safer and can be a powerful tool alongside human knowledge in fighting cyber threats.
Keywords: Forensic Science, Innovations, 3D Imaging, Digital Forensics and DNA Profiling
The 21st century is characterized by a rapid, transformative evolution in forensic science driven by technology, biology, digital sciences, and cross-field collaboration. This review analyses technological modernizations in forensic practices, specifically in DNA profiling, digital forensics, AI, forensic toxicology, and 3D imaging. Further, it discusses important hindrances to the integration of these technologies, including ethical issues, data privacy, legal admissibility, and the lack of universal compliance frameworks. The document also discusses AI-empowered forensic decision-making, microbiome forensics, and virtual autopsies, underscoring innovations that sharpen criminal investigation precision, efficiency, reliability, and trustworthiness. The review aims to highlight the need for policy changes and interdisciplinary cooperation by exposing the forensic science digitization opportunities and challenges.
Keywords: Virtopsy, Forensic Imaging, Postmortem CT, Traditional Autopsy, Non-invasive Autopsy, Forensic Radiology
Postmortem examinations are essential for determining the cause and manner of death, with traditional autopsy long regarded as the gold standard due to its capacity for comprehensive internal examination, histology, and toxicology. However, global autopsy rates have declined because of cultural, religious, and emotional objections, as well as logistical and legal challenges. In response, virtual autopsy (Virtopsy) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative, employing advanced imaging techniques such as postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI), postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA), and 3D surface scanning.
This review synthesizes existing literature to compare Virtopsy and traditional autopsy in terms of diagnostic accuracy, limitations, and practical utility, drawing on case studies from mass disasters, burn incidents, and pediatric deaths. Findings indicate that Virtopsy excels in detecting skeletal injuries, vascular lesions, and foreign objects, offering rapid, archivable, and culturally acceptable examinations. However, it remains less effective in identifying microscopic pathology, subtle soft tissue changes, and biochemical abnormalities, necessitating complementary histological and toxicological analyses.
Future advancements, particularly through artificial intelligence (AI)-driven image analysis, hold potential to enhance diagnostic precision, automate lesion detection, and integrate multimodal forensic data. Portable imaging units and global legal standardization may further expand accessibility and admissibility. The review concludes that a hybrid approach—combining Virtopsy with targeted traditional autopsy—could optimize forensic investigations, balancing cultural sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency.
Keywords: Forensic Anthropology, Somatomerty, Facial index, Face type
The present study investigates the morphological characteristics of the human face, focusing on the facial index as a key anthropometric parameter. A total of 100 individuals (50 males and 50 females), aged 18–50 years were analyzed using standardized facial index classifications. Results showed that the predominant facial type among males was hyperleptoprosopic (40%) indicating a tendency toward elongated facial structures, followed by leptoprosopic (24%). In contrast, females most commonly exhibited the mesoprosopic type (36%), suggesting moderately round faces, with a significant number also displaying euryprosopic features (30%). Further the mean value of the morphological facial index in males was 94.54±11.37while in female value of parameters was, 86.30±11.43. The findings revealed clear differences in facial morphology between sexes, highlighting distinct patterns of facial structure and sexual dimorphism in this regional group.
Keywords: Forensic Diaphragm physiology, Respiratory mechanics, Chest radiography, Muscle biomechanics, Body composition, Pulmonary function, Age factors
Background: The diaphragm, our body’s principal breathing muscle, plays a central role in sustaining life with every breath we take. Its ability to generate force across different lengths known as the force-length relationship is crucial for efficient respiration. However, despite its importance, we still lack a clear understanding of how this relationship varies across age and between sexes in healthy individuals. Most existing data are drawn from patients with respiratory illnesses or select populations, leaving a gap in baseline physiological knowledge.
Aim: This study set out to investigate how age and sex influence the diaphragm’s force-length characteristics in healthy adults, using standard chest X-rays. We also aimed to explore how body composition, particularly body mass index (BMI) interacts with diaphragmatic performance.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 healthy adults (46 males and 54 females), aged between 19 and 79 years, were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. All participants had normal lung functions. Standardized digital posteroanterior chest radiographs were obtained during full inspiration and expiration. Key diaphragmatic measurements were made using calibrated imaging software, and force estimates were calculated using validated biomechanical models. Statistical analyses included multivariate regression, controlling for height, weight, and thoracic dimensions.
Results: The findings revealed three major insights. First, there were no significant differences between males and females in diaphragmatic force production (mean 24.3±3.8 N for females vs. 23.6±3.9 N for males; p=0.38) or in diaphragm movement during breathing. Second, diaphragmatic force remained stable across the adult lifespan, with no evidence of age-related decline (β=-0.004, p=0.86). Third, BMI showed a strong positive correlation with diaphragmatic force (r=0.81, p<0.001), explaining over 70% of the variance in the force estimates. On average, the diaphragm moved 3.9±2.1 mm more during inspiration than expiration (p<0.001), reaffirming its dynamic contractile role.
Conclusion: This study offers reassuring news: in healthy adults, diaphragmatic strength does not wane with age and is not significantly different between sexes. Instead, body mass appears to play the most important role in diaphragmatic performance. These findings emphasize the value of considering body composition in clinical respiratory assessments and provide a set of normative values that can inform future research and healthcare practice.
Aim: This study set out to investigate how age and sex influence the diaphragm’s force-length characteristics in healthy adults, using standard chest X-rays. We also aimed to explore how body composition, particularly body mass index (BMI) interacts with diaphragmatic performance.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 healthy adults (46 males and 54 females), aged between 19 and 79 years, were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. All participants had normal lung functions. Standardized digital posteroanterior chest radiographs were obtained during full inspiration and expiration. Key diaphragmatic measurements were made using calibrated imaging software, and force estimates were calculated using validated biomechanical models. Statistical analyses included multivariate regression, controlling for height, weight, and thoracic dimensions.
Results: The findings revealed three major insights. First, there were no significant differences between males and females in diaphragmatic force production (mean 24.3±3.8 N for females vs. 23.6±3.9 N for males; p=0.38) or in diaphragm movement during breathing. Second, diaphragmatic force remained stable across the adult lifespan, with no evidence of age-related decline (β=-0.004, p=0.86). Third, BMI showed a strong positive correlation with diaphragmatic force (r=0.81, p<0.001), explaining over 70% of the variance in the force estimates. On average, the diaphragm moved 3.9±2.1 mm more during inspiration than expiration (p<0.001), reaffirming its dynamic contractile role.
Conclusion: This study offers reassuring news: in healthy adults, diaphragmatic strength does not wane with age and is not significantly different between sexes. Instead, body mass appears to play the most important role in diaphragmatic performance. These findings emphasize the value of considering body composition in clinical respiratory assessments and provide a set of normative values that can inform future research and healthcare practice.
Keywords: Diseases of circulatory system, Radiation-induced cardiovascular risk, Radiation protection, biological effect of radiation
Ionizing radiation, extensively used in medical diagnostics and therapy, and other industrial uses, is of major concern to biological systems because it causes damage at the molecular and cellular level. Of the non-cancerous effects, radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases (RICVDs) are gaining more prominence due to their clinical implications. This scoping review analyzes the relationship between ionizing radiation exposure and circulatory system diseases, with special focus on cardiovascular hazards among radiotherapy-exposed, occupational, or accident-exposed populations. Through systematic searching of PubMed (2020–2024) and Google Scholar (2010–2024), 30 studies were found meeting the criteria. Results indicate a definite dose-response and age-related correlation of radiation exposure with cardiovascular pathology. Low doses (<1 Gy) are linked with endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, whereas moderate (1–5 Gy) and high doses (>5 Gy) are linked with myocardial fibrosis, arterial injury, and conduction disturbances. The major cardiovascular outcomes recognized are coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and stroke—diseases induced by radiation-induced inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular remodelling. Age-related patterns emphasize that, although older persons are more likely to have clinically severe manifestations, young patients might have subclinical injuries with lasting consequences. The review supports findings from atomic bomb survivor cohorts and cancer patients showing a linear dose-response even for heart doses of 0.5 Gy. In spite of the radiation protection recommendations set by international regulatory agencies like ICRP, UNSCEAR, and NCRP, gaps remain large to evaluate risks in chronic low-dose exposure. New imaging techniques, radiotherapy, and individualized dosimetry provide encouraging directions for reducing risks. Longitudinal studies, age-modified risk models, and interdisciplinarity especially in cardio-oncology remain imperative to enhance preventive strategies and patient care.
Keywords: Forensic Genetics, Forensic science, DNA Profiling, STR profiling, Touch DNA, Trace DNA, DNA Transfer, Secondary Transfer, Glove Contamination, Forensic Gloves, DNA Decontamination, Sodium Hypochlorite, RNase AWAY, Forensic DNA Recovery, Contamination Control, Forensic Casework, Shedding Status, Forensic Best Practices
The inadvertent transfer of DNA via gloves poses a significant risk to the integrity of forensic evidence, particularly in trace and touch DNA investigations. This study systematically evaluated the extent of DNA contamination on glove surfaces, the effectiveness of common cleaning agents, and the potential for secondary DNA transfer to mock evidence. Twelve participants, pre-classified by DNA shedding status, donned nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves under controlled laboratory conditions. Glove surfaces were sampled after donning and subjected to four cleaning conditions: no cleaning, 0.3% sodium hypochlorite, RNase AWAY™, and 70% ethanol. DNA was extracted and quantified, and STR profiling was performed to assess the presence and completeness of genetic profiles.
Results demonstrated significant variability in DNA retention based on glove type and cleaning agent. Vinyl gloves retained the highest DNA levels, while nitrile gloves showed the least contamination. Sodium hypochlorite was the most effective cleaning agent, reducing recoverable DNA by up to 94%, followed by RNase AWAY™, with ethanol being the least effective. Notably, even post-cleaning gloves frequently retained sufficient DNA to yield partial STR profiles, underscoring the persistent risk of secondary transfer. Controlled glove-to-cloth contact experiments further confirmed that uncleaned gloves transferred full STR profiles in 80% of cases, while sodium hypochlorite-treated gloves minimized this risk. Ultraviolet fluorescence visualization revealed contamination hotspots concentrated at the fingertips and palm, highlighting key zones of contact and transfer potential.
These findings emphasize the need for standardized glove decontamination protocols, careful selection of glove materials, and contamination-aware handling procedures in forensic workflows. Incorporating these practices will enhance the reliability of trace DNA interpretation and reduce the risk of misattribution in forensic casework.
Keywords: Ear morphology, ear prints, personal identification, forensic science, North Indian population, ear variations.
The external ear, particularly the pinna, is a crucial physical trait that may aid in personal identification in criminal investigations. Oil on the ear can deposit its impression on surfaces mobile phone screens, glass windows. The ear morphology can be affected by geographical regions. The current study aims to look into variations in ear morphology and analyse ear impressions to have better understanding of their significance in personal identification. The study involved 100 participants, aged between 15 - 30 years from Ramnagar area, Nainital district, Uttarakhand state, northern India. The morphological features such as shape of the ear, size, earlobe shape, concha size, attachment of the earlobe was studied. The ear prints were recorded using ink method and Photographs. Further, the ear impressions were analysed using Image J software to measure data such as ear length, ear breadth, earlobe length, earlobe breadth, concha length, concha breadth. The findings showed that oval shaped ears are common among males and round shaped ears in females with other shapes like rectangle and triangle also present. Similarly, the most common ear lobe shape was square in males and tongue shaped in females. Females had slightly larger averages of ear length and width than males. Significant differences were found between males and females right ear length (p-value =0.05) and right concha length(p-value=0.01). The study contributed to existing research by highlighting the variability in ear morphology among Uttarakhand Region of India. It further emphasizes the need of understanding and analysing these differences in personal identification.