Source: QUEST:"Forensic Identification"
The world we live in is full of unsolved mysteries that we continue to try to solve. From discovering the origins of the universe, to solving some of the most complicated legal matters, scientists have many resources to help them get to the bottom of things. In this video from QUEST, learn about an area of forensics called, forensic anthropology, wherein scientist Chelsey Juarez uses her training to identify the remains of individuals who have died attempting to cross the U.S./Mexico border.
Download and ShareThere have been tons of popular shows on television that dramatize the world of forensic science. These programs, despite their popularity, often trivialize the work that is done by the highly trained specialists who use many different types of science to answer questions associated to various legal matters. Forensic scientists work with the legal system to solve crimes where there is little physical evidence. To help solve these crimes, forensic scientists examine some of the smallest pieces of information found at crime scenes, often times down to the very molecule. With this minute information they are able to uncover facts that can be used to break a case.
Forensic science, sometimes shortened to “Forensics,” is not just a field utilized to solve crimes. The same types of techniques, tools and procedures used by forensic scientists can also be applied to other areas. For example, archaeologists use a forensic technique called carbon-14 dating, or radiocarbon dating, to determine the approximate age of organic materials that are rich in carbon. Radio carbon dating relies heavily on the constant production of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is absorbed into all living things. Scientists then measure the rate of decay of the carbon-14 isotope (which is constant) and compare that to the stable carbon-12 isotope to determine how much has radiocarbon has been released, thus giving them the approximate age of the object.
Knowing the age of an object is a very crucial piece of information that can help scientists further understand it's circumstances. Forensic anthropology, which is s sub-field of physical anthropology, and osteology, (study of the human skeleton) is useful when studying skeletal remains to uncover the circumstances of how they came to be where they are found. Understanding the age of a skeleton, is often the first task in a long line of tests performed to identify remains.
DNA fingerprinting has become one of the most important tools in forensic science today. Combined with other techniques, like radiocarbon dating, this forensic test has helped to solve thousands of crimes, and help scientists answer questions about human origins.
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