Forensic Applications Research Articles

DNA barcoding of southern African mammal species and construction of a reference library for forensic application.

Combating wildlife crimes in South Africa requires accurate identification of traded species and their products. Diagnostic morphological characteristics needed to identify species are often lost when specimens are processed and customs officials lack the expertise to identify species. As a potential solution, DNA barcoding can be used to identify morphologically indistinguishable specimens in forensic cases. However, barcoding is hindered by the reliance on comprehensive, validated DNA barcode reference databases, which are currently limited. To overcome this limitation, we constructed a barcode library of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and cytochrome b sequences for threatened and protected mammals exploited in southern Africa. Additionally, we included closely related or morphologically similar species and assessed the database's ability to identify species accurately. Published southern African sequences were incorporated to estimate intraspecific and interspecific variation. Neighbor-joining trees successfully discriminated 94%-95% of the taxa. However, some widespread species exhibited high intraspecific distances (>2%), suggesting geographic sub-structuring or cryptic speciation. Lack of reliable published data prevented the unambiguous discrimination of certain species. This study highlights the efficacy of DNA barcoding in species identification, particularly for forensic applications. It also highlights the need for a taxonomic re-evaluation of certain widespread species and challenging genera.

A novel red emitting Eu3+ doped CaSiO3 nanophosphor derived from agro-wastes for advanced forensic applications

A novel red emitting Eu3+ doped CaSiO3 nanophosphor derived from agro-wastes for advanced forensic applications

Advanced synthesis and forensic application of CoPr(x)Cr(2-x)O4 nanoparticles for latent fingerprint detection

The production, characterisation, and use of CoPr(x)Cr(2-x)O4 (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) nanoparticles for improved latent fingerprint (LFP) detection are investigated in this study. CoCr2O4 containing different amounts of Praseodymium(Pr3+) were prepared by solution combustion process using 1:1 M ratio of oxidizer and fuel. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to examine the structural characteristics of these nanoparticles, and the results showed that the crystallite sizes and lattice parameters varied while the spinel structure remained constant. The effective synthesis of the intended nanoparticles was indicated by the confirmation of CoCr2O4 presence in the spinel structure by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, or FTIR. In particular, the study showed how these nanoparticles can be used in forensic science to identify LFP on a variety of surfaces, including steel, paper, and OHP sheets. In daylight, the CoPr0.03Cr1.97O4 (CoPr-3)variation with x = 0.05 performed better, allowing for a clear viewing of Level I–III fingerprint features. 3D interactive plots and high-resolution images demonstrated that the nanoparticles stuck to fingerprint remnants, improving visibility and detail. The study also looked at how stable these nanoparticles were under UV irradiation and aging, and it discovered that CoPr-3 phosphor was remarkably resistant to UV degradation and retained its efficacy for 60 days. These results demonstrate the potential of CoPr(x)Cr(2-x)O4 nanoparticles as a reliable and effective material for forensic fingerprint analysis, providing notable enhancements in LFP detection sensitivity and resolution.

Moringa Oleifera leaf-based zinc oxide nanoparticles: Green synthesis, characterization, and their antibacterial investigations

In the current study, an extract from Moringa Oleifera (MO) leaves was utilized for synthesis nanoparticles (ZnO) in an easy-to-use and ecologically friendly manner. Different ratios of MO leaf extraction (1:1, 1:3, 1:5, and 1:7, 1:9) were used to synthesize the nanostructured ZnO. The synthesized ZnO NPs were examined using an array of analytical methods, including energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, and antibacterial investigations. The synthesized MOL: ZnO NPs confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure, as demonstrated by XRD analysis. FT-IR demonstrated that the presence of distinct functional groups was required for the reduction of the metal ion into MOL: ZnO NPs. High purity and crystalline EDX has been used to identify the intense and narrow measurements of the zinc and oxygen found in the MOL: ZnO NPs. After being examined for antibacterial activity, the produced MOL: ZnO NPs showed the highest zones of inhibition against both gram negative Pseudomonas and gram positive Bacillus. The results show that ZnO-based NPs aided by leaf extract of Moringa Oleifera are the promising materials for a variety of applications such as food package applications and advanced forensic applications.

Corrigendum to “Enhancing forensic applications through the mineralogy of clays in surface soil horizon: A case study of Baixada Fluminense, Southeast Brazil” [J. S. Am. Earth Sci., Volume 149, 1 December 2024, 105198

Corrigendum to “Enhancing forensic applications through the mineralogy of clays in surface soil horizon: A case study of Baixada Fluminense, Southeast Brazil” [J. S. Am. Earth Sci., Volume 149, 1 December 2024, 105198

Molecular Identification of Normal and Adulterated Meat Samples of Local Markets and Restaurants in Kerbala Province

Background: Species specification of the meat is a highly important field of quality control management in meat consumption and industry. Meat forgery with undeclared sources has become a crucial trouble in many countries as well as in Iraq. It means that raw consumed meat or meat derivatives may include different meat genus; so, the components of meat are not regular like the known marker. The diet has sever effect on public health, religious factor, food safety principles, fair-trades and consumers desire. Aim of the study: The current study was aimed to analysis the species of adulterated meat using molecular technique that targets Mitochondrial Cytochrome cyt b gene by Multiplex PCR for detection of meat species and authentication that provide many forensic and judicial applications for several populations throughout the world. Materials and Methods: The following seventy (70) typical meat and meat derivatives were gathered from neighborhood super markets and eateries in the province of Kerbala: 25 cow, 10 buffalo, 25 sheep, and 10 goats. For meat samples, DNA extraction was done. Next, using species-specific primers of the Mitochondrial Cytochrome cyt b gene for cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo, the collected DNA was amplified using the Multiplex PCR method. Additionally, the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, one of the microorganisms most commonly linked to food illness, was typically examined in all of the meat samples. Results: Multiplex PCR technique resulting in species-specific products of the amplicon sizes for the DNA prepared samples with the lengths 472bp., 124bp., 585bp., and 330bp. for the flesh of cow, buffalo, sheep, and goats, in that order. In addition to this analysis technique indicated that8 (44.4) % of examined cattle meat samples were mixed with buffalo meat and10 (55.6) % of examined sheep meat samples were mixed with goat meat. As well as, most of examined (normal and mixed) meat samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Discussion: It has been demonstrated that the highly conserved Mitochondrial Cytochrome cyt b gene primers, when used in the multiplex PCR methodology, provide a sensitive, straightforward, adaptable, and dependable method for the investigation of meat samples and meat products. Conclusions: The current study's conclusions state that the “mitochondrial cytochrome cyt b gene” is a useful marker for differentiating between normal and adulterated meat. It also states that Staphylococcus aureus was found in 16/52 (30.76%) of the normal meat samples and 12/18 (66.7%) of the adulterated meat samples, with a significant importance of P=0.046.

Developmental Validation of the Microreader 23HS Plex ID System: A Novel Supplementary Non-CODIS STR Multiplex Assay for Forensic Application.

A novel supplementary non-CODIS STR multiplex assay designated as the "Microreader 23HS Plex ID System" was developed. The Microreader 23HS Plex ID System enables simultaneous profiling of 23 STR loci and the amelogenin locus. The majority of these loci are non-CODIS STRs (D4S2408, D9S2157, D20S161, D3S2459, D18S1364, D13S305, D1S2142, D19S400, D6S1017, D7S1517, D2S1776, D2S1360, D3S1744, D16S3391, D3S1545, D11S4463, D20S85, D1S549, D10S2325, D21S2055), with the exception of three CODIS STRs (D2S441, D12S391, and D22S1045). Followed the recommendations of Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) and the Chinese validation standards, a comprehensive set of validation studies were conducted, encompassing PCR conditions, stutter ratio and peak height balance, sensitivity, precision and accuracy, reproducibility, species specificity, inhibition, as well as mixture testing. The results demonstrated that the Microreader 23HS Plex ID System is a reliable and robust assay, with well-balanced peak heights, high precision and accuracy, species specificity, and resistance to common inhibitors. The sensitivity of the assay was determined to be 0.125ng of template DNA. In mixture study, all minor alleles were detected in two-sample mixtures across various ratios (1:19, 1:9, 1:4, 3:7, 2:3, 1:1, 3:2, 4:1, 9:1, and 19:1). In population study, a total of 500 unrelated individuals of Han ethnicity from East China were genotyped. The allele frequencies and forensic population genetic parameters were calculated, with a cumulative random match probability of 7.757×10-27, and a total power of discrimination exceeding 0.999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,99. In conclusion, the Microreader 23HS Plex ID System shows promise as a valuable supplementary tool for forensic applications, particularly in addressing complex kinship testing and challenges posed by STR mutation.

Laser‐scribed graphene toward scalable fabrication of electrochemical paper-based devices for lidocaine detection in forensic and pharmaceutical samples

Lidocaine (LID), a tertiary amine drug, is widely used as a local anesthetic for topical anesthesia and also presents antiarrhythmic and analgesic properties. Given its use can induce a temporary loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic function, it has been associated with criminal instances of drug-facilitated sexual assault. Herein, we manufactured an electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) using the laser-scribed graphene (LSG) technique for LID detection in pharmaceutical and forensic applications. The paper-based devices were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the porosity and graphene-derived nature of the LSG material. In addition, to enhance the electrocatalytic properties, the LSG electrode was modified with a nanocomposite based on the mixture of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Electrochemical characterizations of the non-modified and MWCNT/PEDOT:PSS-modified electrodes by impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), revealed the enhancement of the electrochemical properties of the modified electrode, providing higher detectability for LID detection. An analytical curve was built using DPV technique and exhibited a linear response in the concentration range of 31 to 248 µmol L−1 LID. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of the method were 0.72 µmol L−1 and 2.39 µmol L−1, respectively. The manufacturing reproducibility of the method was assessed by testing 8 sensors from different batches and provided a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.92 % (n = 8). The developed sensor was applied to LID determination in a commercial anesthetic sample and, as proof of the applicability of potential use in crime scenes of drug-facilitating crimes, we analyzed spiked LID in alcoholic drinks (vodka and tequila samples). The recovery percentages ranged from 79 % to 109 %, highlighting the practical use of our portable method for in-field analysis. In addition, four seized cocaine samples containing LID were successfully analyzed to demonstrate the potential use as a LID screening tool in street drug samples.

NASTRA: accurate analysis of short tandem repeat markers by nanopore sequencing with repeat-structure-aware algorithm.

Short-tandem repeats (STRs) are the type of genetic markers extensively utilized in biomedical and forensic applications. Due to sequencing noise in nanopore sequencing, accurate analysis methods are lacking. We developed NASTRA, an innovative tool for Nanopore Autosomal Short Tandem Repeat Analysis, which overcomes traditional database-based methods' limitations and provides a precise germline analysis of STR genetic markers without the need for allele sequence reference. Demonstrating high accuracy in cell line authentication testing and paternity testing, NASTRA significantly surpasses existing methods in both speed and accuracy. This advancement makes it a promising solution for rapid cell line authentication and kinship testing, highlighting the potential of nanopore sequencing for in-field applications.

Spectroscopic techniques and chemometrics for ink analysis: Document analysis application

This study represents a methodology to determine the falsified documents via a combined method of spectroscopic techniques and chemometrics. The techniques of UV–Vis and FTIR-ATR spectroscopies and principal component analysis methods have been applied to black, blue, and red ballpoint pens available in the Türkiye market. The analysis results of the applied spectroscopic techniques were found to be consistent with each other for the examined eleven ink samples from three different brands, and it was observed that FTIR-ATR spectroscopy had higher discriminative power. A dried sample preparation technique developed for small amounts of samples for FTIR-ATR measurements and the increased the sensitivity of FTIR-ATR technique was associated with this sample preparation method. Statistical techniques showed that the UV–Vis technique proves useful outcomes in distinguishing inks according to their colors, whereas the FTIR-ATR technique is valuable for identifying ink brands. Additional analysis of the sub-brand of black inks and falsified old-dated check sample analysis validated that our methodology has the potential to classify and identify ballpoint inks in forensic applications. Due to the limited sample quantity available for analysis in real samples, only FTIR-ATR analysis was possible, and the results demonstrated that document forgery could be detected from small parts of samples in the document. When we look at the overall outcome of this study, a comprehensive methodology enriched with statistical calculations has been proposed that can be applied even in a laboratory with limited resources, having only UV–Vis and FTIR-ATR capabilities.

Molecular Aspects of the Interactions between Selected Benzodiazepines and Common Adulterants/Diluents: Forensic Application of Theoretical Chemistry Methods.

Benzodiazepines are frequently encountered in crime scenes, often mixed with adulterants and diluents, complicating their analysis. This study investigates the interactions between two benzodiazepines, lorazepam (LOR) and alprazolam (ALP), with common adulterants/diluents (paracetamol, caffeine, glucose, and lactose) using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and quantum chemical methods. The crystallographic structures of LOR and ALP were optimized using several functionals (B3LYP, B3LYP-D3BJ, B3PW91, CAM-B3LYP, M05-2X, and M06-2X) combined with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. M05-2X was the most accurate when comparing experimental and theoretical bond lengths and angles. Vibrational and 13C NMR spectra were calculated to validate the functional's applicability. The differences between LOR's experimental and theoretical IR spectra were attributed to intramolecular interactions between LOR monomers, examined through density functional theory (DFT) optimization and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis. Molecular dynamics simulations modeled benzodiazepine-adulterant/diluent systems, predicting the most stable structures, which were further analyzed using QTAIM. The strongest interactions and their effects on IR spectra were identified. Comparisons between experimental and theoretical spectra confirmed spectral changes due to interactions. This study demonstrates the potential of quantum chemical methods in analyzing complex mixtures, elucidating spectral changes, and assessing the structural stability of benzodiazepines in forensic samples.

Population data for 12 X-STRs loci in Malaysian Malay and Chinese populations

The utilization of X-chromosome short tandem repeats (X-STRs) for human identification particularly in resolving complex kinship cases has been advocated. Since, forensic statistical parameters vary among different populations, and because the X-STRs population data representing the diverse population of Peninsular Malaysia remain unavailable, the specific attempt reported here for the Malays (n = 224) and Chinese (n = 201) populations appears forensically relevant to support the evidential value of the 12 X-STRs markers for human identification in Malaysia. Results derived from the Qiagen Investigator® Argus X-12 kit revealed that DXS10135 as the most polymorphic locus with high genetic diversity, polymorphic information content, heterozygosity as well as power of exclusion. Based on allele frequencies, the combined power of discrimination as well as the mean exclusion chance (MECKrüger, MECKishida, MECDesmarais and MECDesmaraisDuo) values for the Malays and Chinese were individually ≥0.999995532964908. As for the combined power of discrimination as well as the mean exclusion chance (MECKrüger, MECKishida, MECDesmarais and MECDesmaraisDuo) calculated based on haplotype frequencies, the values were ≥0.9999986410567 for the Malays and Chinese populations. In addition, results from the genetic distance, neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis revealed close biogeographical distributions of the studied populations with other South East Asian populations. Hence, the utilization of the X-STRs data for identifying individuals among the Malays and Chinese populations in Peninsular Malaysia for forensic application appears as highly supported.

Photon-counting CT for forensic death investigations-a glance into the future of virtual autopsy.

This article explores the potential of photon-counting computed tomography (CT) in forensic medicine for a range of forensic applications. Photon-counting CT surpasses conventional CT in several key areas. It boasts superior spatial and contrast resolution, enhanced image quality at low x-ray energies, and spectral imaging capabilities that enable more precise material differentiation. These advantages translate to superior visualization of bone structures, foreign bodies, and soft tissues in postmortem examinations. The article discusses the technical principles of photon-counting CT detectors and highlights its potential applications in forensic imaging, including high-resolution virtual autopsies, pediatric forensic CT, trauma analysis, and bone density measurements. Furthermore, advancements in vascular imaging and soft tissue contrast promise to propel CT-based death investigations to an even more prominent role. The article concludes by emphasizing the immense potential of this new technology in forensic medicine and anthropology.

Advancements in Biological Dosimetry Techniques for Surge Response to Radiation Emergencies in Ghana

The awareness of the use of biodosimetry to estimate external radiation doses received by individuals and in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, diagnostic, and interventional radiology has gained traction in recent years. At present Ghana is poised to integrate about 1GW of nuclear power into its electricity mix by 2034. The increased awareness of biodosimetry is probably due to increased radiological threats and incidents, medical and forensic applications, the quest to strengthen emergency response to unplanned radiation exposures such as radiological accidents, and the malevolent use of radioactive sources. Biodosimetry capabilities would play an effective role during public health management of radiation emergencies for rapid dose estimation and help to medically categorize the exposures for the purpose of prioritizing treatment of the affected persons. Moreover, it will also serve to provide reassurance and psychological support for the “worried-well”. Biodosimetry methods and infrastructure can also be utilized for various applications, including molecular research, medical cytogenetics, and forensics. This write-up assesses the status of biodosimetry methods and infrastructure capabilities available at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), which could be leveraged during radiological or allied scenarios.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Incident Dementia: Forensic Applications of Current Research

Abstract Objective Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has been purported to increase risk for later developing neurodegenerative disorders (ND). Forensic neuropsychologists are frequently asked to opine on risk for ND after an alleged TBI. We provide an evidence-based foundation to aid forensic practice by summarizing the: role of the neuropsychologist in TBI-related litigation, complexities associated with identifying TBIs in forensic cases, science of TBI in relation to incident dementia, and current scientific evidence for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Data Selection The most applicable studies to forensic settings are large prospective cohort and population-based cohort studies given their wider generalizability and long periods of follow-up/tracking for outcomes. Data Synthesis Developing ND after TBI is the exception rather than the rule. Only a small subset (< 5%) of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, and even fewer (< 1%) with mild TBI, appear to develop ND, and the characteristics that place some at risk remain unclear. Positive evidence for risk of ND after mild TBI is weak and mostly consists of observational studies characterized by methodological limitations. Conclusions Forensic methods used to establish the likely occurrence of TBI are typically more extensive than those used in clinical evaluations, while TBI definitions used in current research are even more rudimentary and inconsistent. Applying clinical research findings regarding TBI and dementia outcomes to forensic cases at an individual level carries significant limitations. Estimating the contribution of remote TBI/concussion in a causal manner to ND risk is a challenge forensic experts sometimes face, yet at present, the task is impossible beyond correlations and speculation.

Highly efficient Dy3+ activated Sr9Al6O18 nanophosphors for W-LEDs, optical thermometry and deep learning-based intelligent system for personal identification applications

A novel single-phase Dy3+ activated Sr9Al6O18 nanophosphors (NPs) was synthesized using a solution combustion method with urea as the fuel. When phosphors are excited at 350 nm, their photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibit strong emissions at 484 and 574 nm, which are associated with the 4F9/2→6H15/2 and 4F9/2→6H13/2 transitions. These emissions are attributed to magnetic and electric dipole allowed transitions, correspondingly. It is found that dipole–dipole interactions are the main source of concentration quenching and energy transfer among the activator ions. The prepared NPs show thermal stability up to 480 K having an activation energy (Ea) of 0.2437 eV, as determined by temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL). With a remarkable internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 66.14 %, the optimized phosphor achieves notable relative sensitivity (Sr) and absolute sensitivity (Sa), estimated to be 2.65 % K−1 and 1.38×10−3 K−1 at 300 K, respectively. Thus, Sr9Al6O18:Dy3+ is a promising material for non-contact optical thermometry applications. Latent fingerprints (LFPs) and latent lip prints (LLPs) can be efficiently produced on a variety of surfaces by using the optimized NPs with the simple powder dusting technique. The prints are made visible under UV light with a 365 nm wavelength. The You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8x) approach analyzes the overall morphological correlations of different minutiae to identify essential minutiae that indicate the identities of people from FPs. Splitting and matching multi-scale fingerprints (FPs) features improves the validity of the authenticating findings. The results show that the recommended method, which improves the entire FP authentication process, offers exceptional accuracy, resilience and speed. The findings provide strong support for the implementation of the optimized NPs in photonic devices, optical thermometers, and advanced forensic applications.

The efficacy of Diamond™ nucleic acid dye-stained cell counting techniques for forensic application

Touch DNA is one of the most common types of biological material collected during criminal investigations. Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye (DD) has been shown to aid in touch sample visualisation and target sampling. It has also been used as a method of shedder categorisation that is cheaper and quicker than DNA methods. However, the DD method routinely involves manual cell counting, which can result in intra and inter-person variability similar to other manual techniques used in forensic science, for example, fingerprint identification. Additionally, DD based shedder categorisation involves counting cells in a portion of the touch deposit to extrapolate an individual’s shedder status, and the sampling effect of such estimations is currently unknown.The present study tested different data analysis aspects of the DD method, including counting variability within and between people, shedder classification differences based on different counting methods (entire thumbprint, sub-section of a print with most cells, sub-section of a print deemed most representative of the entire thumbprint, and random sections), the use of ImageJ software to semi-automate counting and the use and extension of the DD method for investigating DNA Transfer, Persistence, Prevalence and Recovery (DNA-TPPR).The results of this study show that there are meaningful differences observed during counting processes both between and within people. These differences tended to increase as the factor of time, or the duration of counting, rather than the complexity of cell deposits being assessed. Investment in cell counting software that eliminates personal factors, such as boredom fatigue, can remedy most of these issues, however, will require optimisation, such as fibre recognition. Shedder testing was shown to be affected by the choice of sampling and categorisation methods, and suggested that using an entire finger or larger section size can provide increased precision. Finally, inverted worn gloves stained with DD may provide an acceptable alternative for hands in DNA-TPPR investigations, providing an interesting alternative for future research.

Quantitative matching of forensic evidence fragments using fracture surface topography and statistical learning

The complex jagged trajectory of fractured surfaces of two pieces of forensic evidence is used to recognize a “match” by using comparative microscopy and tactile pattern analysis. The material intrinsic properties and microstructures, as well as the exposure history of external forces on a fragment of forensic evidence have the premise of uniqueness at a relevant microscopic length scale (about 2–3 grains for cleavage fracture), wherein the statistics of the fracture surface become non-self-affine. We utilize these unique features to quantitatively describe the microscopic aspects of fracture surfaces for forensic comparisons, employing spectral analysis of the topography mapped by three-dimensional microscopy. Multivariate statistical learning tools are used to classify articles and result in near-perfect identification of a “match” and “non-match” among candidate forensic specimens. The framework has the potential for forensic application across a broad range of fractured materials and toolmarks, of diverse texture and mechanical properties.

Enhancing Colorimetric Detection of Nucleic Acids on Nitrocellulose Membranes: Cutting-Edge Applications in Diagnostics and Forensics.

This study re-introduces a protein-free rapid test method for nucleic acids on paper based lateral flow assays utilizing special multichannel nitrocellulose membranes and DNA-Gold conjugates, achieving significantly enhanced sensitivity, easier protocols, reduced time of detection, reduced costs of production and advanced multiplexing possibilities. A protein-free nucleic acid-based lateral flow assay (NALFA) with a limit of detection of 1 pmol of DNA is shown for the first time. The total production duration of such an assay was successfully reduced from the currently known several days to just a few hours. The simplification and acceleration of the protocol make the method more accessible and practical for various applications. The developed method supports multiplexing, enabling the simultaneous detection of up to six DNA targets. This multiplexing capability is a significant improvement over traditional line tests and offers more comprehensive diagnostic potential in a single assay. The approach significantly reduces the run time compared to traditional line tests, which enhances the efficiency of diagnostic procedures. The protein-free aspect of this assay minimizes the prevalent complications of cross-reactivity in immunoassays especially in cases of multiplexing. It is also demonstrated that the NALFA developed in this study is amplification-free and hence does not rely on specialized technicians, nor does it involve labour-intensive steps like DNA extraction and PCR processes. Overall, this study presents a robust, efficient, and highly sensitive platform for DNA or RNA detection, addressing several limitations of current methods documented in the literature. The advancements in sensitivity, cost reduction, production time, and multiplexing capabilities mark a substantial improvement, holding great potential for various applications in diagnostics, forensics, and molecular biology.

Forensic Perspective on Voice Biometrics and AI : A Review

Modern internet has given rise to various voice related crimes worldwide, notably deepfake voice scams where the perpetrators utilize artificial intelligence to deceive victims by the means of forgery of voice. This review article aims to discuss the advancements and challenges in voice biometrics, particularly focusing on the impact of AI and deep learning on this field. It underscores the evolution of voice biometrics from early methods to modern AI enhanced techniques, by highlighting the significant improvements in accuracy, security, and adaptability etc. The key findings of the article have highlighted that while AI-driven advancements have addressed many challenges including voice robustness and multilingual recognition, new threats like deep fake audio require ongoing innovation. The integration of various methods like deep learning, neural networks and advanced feature extraction has shown incredible potential in enhancing the system resilience. But challenges such as voice variability, privacy concerns and the forensic applications of these technologies remain critical issue to be addressed by the future researchers. This review article recommends multidisciplinary research to bridge the gap between this field and forensic science, emphasizing the need for continued development to address and prevent emerging threats very efficiently.