Forensic Detective Challenge: Can You Uncover the Killer?

Which forensic tool is used to analyze hair structure?

Chromatography

Comparison microscope

Electron microscope

Polarizing microscope

An electron microscope provides high magnification and resolution that allows forensic scientists to analyze the fine structure of hair and other small trace evidence.

Which is a common use of forensic entomology?

DNA collection

Time since death estimation

Substance identification

Weapon analysis

Forensic entomology involves the study of insects at crime scenes, primarily to estimate the time since death based on the life cycle stages of the insects present.

Which technology aids in the 3D reconstruction of crime scenes?

Photogrammetry

PCR Testing

Infrared sensors

Geolocation

Photogrammetry is used in forensics for the 3D reconstruction of crime scenes, which helps in visualizing the spatial aspects of the scene and can be pivotal in court presentations.

Which development has enhanced the detection of latent fingerprints?

Ninhydrin

Ultraviolet light

Infrared photography

Micro X-ray fluorescence

Ninhydrin is commonly used to develop latent fingerprints on porous surfaces by reacting with amino acids in sweat residues, producing a purple color.

What is the purpose of CODIS in forensic science?

Data analysis software

DNA database

Chemical test kit

Equipment tracking

CODIS, the Combined DNA Index System, is a DNA database managed by the FBI that helps law enforcement agencies link serial crimes and unsolved cases with convicted offenders.

What method is used to estimate time of death?

Blood analysis

Rigor mortis observation

Stomach content analysis

Skin elasticity testing

Observing rigor mortisâ€”the stiffening of a body after deathâ€”is a method used to estimate the time of death, providing crucial information in the early stages of a death investigation.

What process helps visualize indented writings on paper?

Graphology

Electrostatic detection

Acid washing

Thermal imaging

Electrostatic detection devices (ESDA) reveal indented writings on paper by creating an electrostatic image of the indentations, which can then be visualized with a special toner.

What method is employed to detect GSR on suspects?

Swab test

Atomic absorption

Tape lift

UV light scan

Atomic absorption spectrometry is a method used to detect gunshot residue (GSR) on the hands or clothes of a suspect, providing evidence regarding the use of a firearm.

Which software is primarily used for facial reconstruction in forensics?

Adobe Photoshop

FACES

Autodesk Maya

Microsoft Paint

FACES is a software tool specifically designed for creating facial composites in law enforcement and forensic settings, helping to identify suspects from witnesses’ descriptions.

What is the main purpose of the AFIS in forensics?

Track DNA samples

Analyze drug purity

Identify fingerprints

Store chemical profiles

AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is primarily used to identify and analyze fingerprints, significantly aiding in the matching process across various law enforcement databases.

Which forensic technique involves the analysis of skeletal remains?

Toxicology

Anthropology

Serology

Entomology

Forensic anthropology involves the study and analysis of human skeletal remains to establish the identity and cause of death, often used in crime scene investigations and historical contexts.

Which type of evidence is considered the most reliable in court?

Eyewitness testimony

DNA evidence

Confession

Handwriting analysis

DNA evidence is considered highly reliable in court due to its precision in linking an individual to biological samples found at a crime scene, surpassing other forms of evidence like eyewitness testimonies or confessions.

What is Luminol used for in crime scenes?

Detecting fingerprints

Revealing blood traces

Capturing photographs

Recording temperatures

Luminol is used to reveal trace amounts of blood at crime scenes, even if the blood has been cleaned or is not visible to the naked eye.

Which technique identifies substances through their spectra?

Gas Chromatography

Mass Spectrometry

Spectrophotometry

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Mass spectrometry identifies substances by measuring the mass and charge of their molecules, creating a unique spectrum that acts like a molecular fingerprint.

For what purpose is the chemical ninhydrin used in forensics?

Detect drugs

Visualize fingerprints

Identify poisons

Analyze explosives

Ninhydrin is commonly sprayed on porous surfaces at crime scenes to visualize fingerprints by reacting with the amino acids in sweat, leaving a purple-blue print.

What year was DNA fingerprinting first used in forensic science?

1980

1984

1987

1991

DNA fingerprinting was first used in forensic science in 1984. This breakthrough by Sir Alec Jeffreys revolutionized how biological evidence could be linked to suspects.

Which technique is essential for analyzing microscopic paint chips?

FTIR

PCR

GC-MS

NMR

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is instrumental in analyzing paint chips by identifying the unique molecular composition of the paint, aiding in forensic investigations.

What forensic method uses insects to determine the drug history of a corpse?

Toxicology

Microscopy

Drug analysis entomology

Serology

Drug analysis entomology is a specific application of forensic entomology where insects found on a corpse are analyzed to determine if the body had drugs in its system at the time of death.

In forensic document examination, what is VSC used for?

Visualizing hidden text

Ageing documents

Matching ink types

Detecting document alterations

Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is a device used in forensic document examination to detect alterations, erasures, and hidden text in documents, crucial for verifying their authenticity.

What role does mitochondrial DNA play in forensic cases?

Confirms eyewitness accounts

Distinguishes maternal lineage

Identifies synthetic fibers

Links crimes to locations

Mitochondrial DNA is used in forensic cases to establish a maternal link between biological samples and individuals, useful in scenarios where nuclear DNA is not available.