Christmas Lectures 2022: Lecture 2/3 'Missing Body' – with Sue Black
The Royal Institution・2 minutes read
The Royal Institution conducts a murder mystery investigation, utilizing forensic science principles like evidence collection and analysis. Through various techniques like DNA and fingerprint analysis, the investigation leads to the arrest of a suspect, demonstrating the practical application of forensic science in solving crimes.
Insights
- Forensic science principles, like Locard's Exchange Principle, are essential for collecting evidence, such as trace evidence like fingerprints, DNA, and hair, which play a crucial role in crime scene investigations.
- New forensic science technologies, such as multi-spectral evidence search kits and the use of infrared light to reveal stains invisible to the naked eye, aid in detecting evidence, while DNA markers like short tandem repeats and predictive DNA phenotyping advance forensic science capabilities, ultimately leading to the arrest of suspects.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What is the role of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO)?
The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) plays a vital role in leading the investigation.
How is luminol used in crime scene investigations?
Luminol is used to detect blood traces at crime scenes.
How are latent fingerprints lifted for examination?
Latent fingerprints are lifted using tape onto acetate sheets for examination.
What is the purpose of the AFIS database in forensic investigations?
The AFIS database contains fingerprints of arrested individuals for comparison.
How do genetic genealogy databases assist in forensic science?
Genetic genealogy databases help identify relatives based on DNA matches, aiding in investigations.
Related videos
The New Detectives
Earth, Wind & Destruction | TRIPLE EPISODE | The New Detectives
The New Detectives
The Invisible Death of The Missing | DOUBLE EPISODE | The New Detectives
The New Detectives
Best Of Season 4 | TRIPLE EPISODE | The New Detectives
The New Detectives
Stolen Identity Cases | DOUBLE EPISODE | The New Detectives
WIRED
Forensics Expert Answers Crime Scene Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED
Summary
00:00
"Forensic Science Solves Murder Mystery Case"
- The Royal Institution embarks on a murder mystery investigation with a missing body.
- Forensic science principles, like Locard's Exchange Principle, are crucial in collecting evidence.
- Demonstrations show how evidence exchange works, like shoe prints leaving marks.
- Forensic science reveals unseen evidence, like footprints visible with special torches.
- Trace evidence like fingerprints, DNA, and hair are crucial in crime scene investigations.
- The lead police investigator, known as the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), plays a vital role.
- Initial steps in a missing person case involve preserving the crime scene and taking photographs.
- Photographs are essential in documenting evidence, with thousands taken at a crime scene.
- Luminol is used to detect blood traces, showing a blue luminescence reaction.
- New forensic science technologies, like multi-spectral evidence search kits, aid in evidence detection.
13:37
"Forensic Science: Uncovering Clues with Light"
- Fingerprint powder absorbs light, emitting fluorescence.
- Infrared light reveals stains invisible to the naked eye.
- Blood spatter analysis helps understand crime scenes.
- Volunteers create blood spatter patterns with paint.
- Different spatter patterns indicate various actions.
- Paint splatter creates voids, indicating past presence.
- DNA and fingerprint evidence are crucial in investigations.
- Powder reveals latent fingerprints for examination.
- Latent prints are lifted using tape onto acetate sheets.
- Copper solution reveals fingerprints on steel surfaces.
25:44
Fingerprint Identification Techniques and Analysis
- Copper solution forms film on metal surface, leaving fingerprints visible.
- Technique used to lift fingerprints off various metal objects.
- Different fingerprint patterns: loop, whirl, arch.
- Ridge characteristics used for unique identification: endings, lakes, bifurcations, independent ridges, spurs.
- AFIS database contains fingerprints of arrested individuals.
- Database search provides list of potential matches, expert comparison required for final identification.
- Comparison process involves matching ridge characteristics.
- Identification of a fingerprint from a crime scene matching a known individual's print.
- Audience participation in identifying fingerprints from a property map.
- Different colored fingerprints suggest potential roles in a crime scene, leading to investigative insights.
37:54
"DNA Forensics: From Crime Scenes to Relatives"
- The trainer deploys the dog off-lead to search for scents in voids or open areas.
- The dog, Ossie, shows interest in a specific spot, indicating a potential find.
- Ossie freezes, signaling a discovery, leading to the team investigating further.
- The team finds a red herring, a false lead, disappointing but showcasing Ossie's skills.
- DNA evidence collection involves sources like saliva marks on glass, hairbrushes, and toothbrushes.
- DNA profiles are created from variable sections of DNA, not the entire genome.
- The National DNA Database contains DNA from individuals who have committed crimes.
- DNA markers, like short tandem repeats, are used for comparisons to identify matches.
- Genetic genealogy databases can help identify relatives based on DNA matches.
- Predictive DNA phenotyping aims to predict physical traits from DNA, advancing forensic science.
49:56
Soil Analysis Solves London Mystery Case
- Matching soils to location has a historical basis, exemplified by Sherlock Holmes identifying areas in London by mud on his trousers.
- Schools in London participated in soil analysis, using a Raman spectrometer to differentiate soil samples.
- Soil A from School A was identified as from Hornsey North London, while soil C from School C was linked to Camberwell.
- Further analysis narrowed down a soil sample from a boot to Mayfair, based on soil texture, minerals, and elements present.
- Specific vegetation information led to pinpointing a garden as the source of the soil sample, akin to Sherlock Holmes' deductive skills.
- The forensic investigation culminated in DNA and fingerprint confirmation, leading to the arrest of a suspect, showcasing the practical application of forensic science.
