Forensic Science B

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Forensic Science B

• Forensic Biology

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Todays Agenda

• Review DNA Test- Complete test data analysis
  form. Last day to reassess is May 3rd- 15 class
  days from today
• Start Forensic Biology Unit- Today is
  microorganisms where person died

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After the Video

• Turn in your questions.
• Complete the Microbe Murder Mystery lab in the
  lab area- supplies on the black cart

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What is covered under the title Forensic
Biology?

• Microbiology
• Entomology
• Botany
• Odontology
• Osteology
• Anthropology
• Environmental Crimes
• Pathology

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What is studied in Forensic Microbiology?

• Microscopic organisms
• Protists, Algae, Fungi Bacteria
• Mostly used in cases of drowning through
  identification of diatoms

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What are diatoms?

• Single-celled organisms that are found in salt
  and fresh water
• Types of algae with silica in cell walls
• Resistant to degradation
• Certain species can only be found in certain areas

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How are diatoms used to identify?

• If victims heart is still beating when he/she
  inhales water, diatoms will pass from the water
  to the lungs and eventually to the blood stream
• They may be pumped throughout the body
• Tend to collect in the bone marrow
• Thus, it can be determined that someone was alive
  when placed in the water
• Since there are specific habitats for these, they
  can also indicate where someone entered the water