Publications by authors named "W M Schmerer"
The relative DNA shedding propensity of palmar and finger surfaces has not previously been examined. In the study presented here, palm and fingermarks of six volunteers were analysed for DNA recovery, after deposition at a pressure of approximately 4900 Pa onto glass plates or slides, respectively. The marks were swabbed; DNA extracted using a modified Chelex® method, and then quantified using qPCR, followed by genotype analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Articular cartilage can help determine how long a body has been deceased by observing changes in its structure.
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of unique microcrystals on porcine cartilage after three weeks of burial, which then disappeared at six weeks.
- These crystals, potentially struvite, were linked to pH changes and bacterial activity, suggesting that analyzing articular cartilage might aid in forensic investigations.
Postmortem decompositional changes to articular cartilage were analysed to help establish a new methodology in determining the postmortem interval. The cartilage was collected from porcine trotters buried in simulated shallow graves for different time periods. The trotters were dissected to expose the cartilage located at the metatarsal joint.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF