Forensic biophysics

Forensic biophysics combines applied physics, chemistry, biology, medicine and forensic science to develop new methods for forensic trace localisation and analysis. Starting with a research line aiming to use spectral imaging to estimate the age of inflicted bruises as part of the diagnosis of child abuse, the group now covers lines on the age determination of bloodstains and other body fluids, post-mortem time determination from body cooling, bloodstain pattern analysis and many topics on fingermark visualisation and analysis. All research is carried out in strong collaboration with the NFI and the Dutch Police.

In 2013, the group co-founded, in collaboration with the natural science faculty of the uva and the Netherlands forensic institute, an institute for stimulating joint forensic research, education and case work, the Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC). The CLHC is now a renowned center for forensic science, collaborating with UvA, NFI, HvA, VU, Saxion, Maastricht University, Avans and TU Delft.

In 2010, an Amsterdam UMC spin-off company ‘Forensic Technical Solutions’ (FTS) was founded, which aims to bring the techniques from the lab into forensic practice.

Focus

Therminus; a thermodynamic computational model for estimating the time of death

Determining the time of death of victims is crucial for reconstructing criminal events. Traditionally, this is calculated based on body weight and temperature, without considering the build or position of the body. Furthermore, the body weight of victims is often estimated due to the lack of simple weighing equipment at the crime scene. In addition, case specific conditions, rough correction factors are used, chosen based on subjective estimates. This leads to large error margins, ranging from 5.6 to 14 hours. In this project, a new method has been developed using a thermodynamic computational model that incorporates information about body dimensions and position, environmental factors, and thermal properties of clothing and the surface. With this information, the model can calculate the cooling of a specific body found in a particular position. By measuring the temperature at various points on the skin, we can calculate the time it took for the body to cool to the measured temperature of the victim.

Blood stain- and body fluid detection and analysis

Detection, recording and analyzing physical traces at crime scenes and forensic labs, greatly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the forensic investigation process, the substantiation of evidence (activity level), and the generation of forensic intelligence. The group is working on the development of advanced cameras, sensors, and optical techniques for trace detection. For instance, on methods that combine photography with spectrometry, known as spectral imaging, enabling non-destructive trace detection and ageing. Spectral (chemical) information can also be obtained about the nature of the trace, or traces can be differentiated from one another.

Biosensor development

Here, the focus is on minimal biological evidence and fingermarks. Our goal is to enhance the detection and analysis of chemical components in fingermarks and body fluids for forensic and medical purposes. There’s a critical need for rapid, on-site confirmatory analysis techniques to assist in crime-solving and ensure public safety. Currently, such methods are lacking. Our research aims to develop these rapid, on-site methods, including advanced optical miniature biosensors, to extract detailed chemical profiles from biological traces, answering crucial questions about the evidence. We believe that non-invasive testing will replace invasive methods in the next decade, with invisible fingermarks playing a key role in diagnostics.

Output

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