A novel method for assessing the shedding of fibre in forensic science: Investigating the effects of washing.

The evaluation of the shedding capacity of a garment is crucial in forensic analysis to understand fibre transfer mechanisms during contact activities. While adhesive tapes are commonly used, the lack of standardised pressure application -often done manually- poses a challenge. In addition, while previous studies have examined the effects of washing on fibre evidence, there is a notable absence in the literature regarding its impact on garment shedding capacity.

Trace DNA and its persistence on various surfaces: A long term study investigating the influence of surface type and environmental conditions - Part two, non-metals.

The work presented herein is the second part of a large-scale persistence project aimed at identifying trends in trace DNA persistence. This study aims to show how different environmental storage conditions and target surface characteristics influence the persistence of cellular and cell free DNA (cfDNA) over time. To eliminate variation within the experiment, we used a proxy DNA deposit consisting of a synthetic fingerprint solution, cellular DNA, and/or cfDNA.

Exploring the influence of washing activities on the transfer and persistence of fibres in forensic science.

In forensic science, a robust and sound interpretation and evaluation of transferred fibre evidence requires an understanding of the principles and mechanisms that underpin fibre transfer, yet existing research lacks consistency and repeatability. This study investigates the impact of washing activities on both the release of fibres into wastewater and the transfer of constituent fibres from donor garments to receiver swatches. Using a low-cost friction tester and automated data collection through photography and ImageJ image processing software, controlled conditions were maintained for repeated experiments.

Log D and plasma protein binding of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and a comparison of experimental and predicted lipophilicity.

The emergence of new synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) onto the illicit drugs market continues to cause harm, and the overall availability of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic data for new psychoactive substances is lacking. The lipophilicity of 23 SCRAs and the plasma protein binding (PPB) of 11 SCRAs was determined. Lipophilicity was determined using a validated chromatographic hydrophobicity index (CHI) log D method; tested SCRAs showed moderate to high lipophilicity, with experimental log D ranging from 2.

Large-scale evaluation of ion mobility spectrometry for the rapid detection of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in infused papers in prisons.

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), colloquially known as "spice," are commonly used in prisons and enter establishments via the mail in the form of infused papers. Many prisons use benchtop ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) instruments to screen mail and seized materials for the presence of SCRAs and other controlled substances. The selectivity and sensitivity of Rapiscan Itemiser 3E and Itemiser 4DN Ion Trap Mobility Spectroscopy™ (ITMS™) systems were evaluated using 21 SCRA reference standards.