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Forensics: Crime Scene Investigations from Murder to Global Terrorism
The development of forensic science has fundamentally changed the way that crimes are solved and criminals caught. Starting from the principle that “every contact leaves a trace,” Dr. Erzinçlioglu explains investigative techniques that until now have remained mysteries to the outsider. Chapters on poisons, alcohol and drugs, blood and body fluids, trace and contact evidence, ballistics, terrorism and forensic science, and more reveal the workings of a science that would cause even Sherlock Holmes to marvel.
- GenresNonfictionTrue Crime
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 9, 2017
This book focuses on the science of forensics. Not a lot of 'case studies', but lots of scientific theory.
March 9, 2020
I found this book great, it was interesting to get an insight into a world of gadgets and clever techniques used in real life in order to get to the truth. However as I take Biology A level, I noticed a mistake in one of the techniques described: the DNA analysis one.
If I am right to presume that the apparatus described was to carry out a technique called gel electrophoresis then a mistake was made.
So what is gel electrophoresis?
In gel electrophoresis DNA fragments are placed in these wells carved out of this gel plate. At the opposite end from the wells of DNA fragments there is a positive electrode; since DNA is negatively charged it will be attracted to the positive charge and travel horizontally through the gel. The smallest fragments will travel the fastest and the largest fragments travel the slowest. Once the smallest fragment has reached the +ve electrode you stop passing the current through the electrode. Finally you have the DNA fragments separated into different sizes and can use this to compare with other DNA samples.
The mistake the Dr. made in this process was that they said the larger fragments pass through the gel faster than the smaller fragments, which makes no sense. I would’ve thought this mistake would’ve been spotted through proofreading of some sorts, but clearly not. Other than that I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!
If I am right to presume that the apparatus described was to carry out a technique called gel electrophoresis then a mistake was made.
So what is gel electrophoresis?
In gel electrophoresis DNA fragments are placed in these wells carved out of this gel plate. At the opposite end from the wells of DNA fragments there is a positive electrode; since DNA is negatively charged it will be attracted to the positive charge and travel horizontally through the gel. The smallest fragments will travel the fastest and the largest fragments travel the slowest. Once the smallest fragment has reached the +ve electrode you stop passing the current through the electrode. Finally you have the DNA fragments separated into different sizes and can use this to compare with other DNA samples.
The mistake the Dr. made in this process was that they said the larger fragments pass through the gel faster than the smaller fragments, which makes no sense. I would’ve thought this mistake would’ve been spotted through proofreading of some sorts, but clearly not. Other than that I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2022
My favourite chapter was the one about poison because it's related to pharmacy and I'm personally always mind-blown by that side of pharmacy, the chemical and biological relationship.
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In the beginning of the book, the author told us about "the forensic mind" I find that part particularly engaging because it gives me general insight on how a scientist should react, should think when they're on a case (or on a research), or doing any kind of work, really. There's lesson on how not to let familiarity fools us, and the author gives his own personal example.
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The author wrote about example of crimes ranging from historical crimes to the more recent ones, including those that he was professionally involved in. This is very interesting, to get to see a firsthand recount of a crime right from someone who deals with it, and understands it. (Rather than, you know, watching CSI shows, which is interesting and educational, but clearly, not always accurate).
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Oh, something I find rather interesting from the later chapter. It seems that the author has different views with Richard Dawkins🤣
The author doesn't believe of the theory that "morality is genetic" and he finds notions from sociobiology impossible.
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Obviously one can learn a lot from this book, I just hope everything that I learned will stay in my brain 🧠
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In the beginning of the book, the author told us about "the forensic mind" I find that part particularly engaging because it gives me general insight on how a scientist should react, should think when they're on a case (or on a research), or doing any kind of work, really. There's lesson on how not to let familiarity fools us, and the author gives his own personal example.
-
The author wrote about example of crimes ranging from historical crimes to the more recent ones, including those that he was professionally involved in. This is very interesting, to get to see a firsthand recount of a crime right from someone who deals with it, and understands it. (Rather than, you know, watching CSI shows, which is interesting and educational, but clearly, not always accurate).
-
Oh, something I find rather interesting from the later chapter. It seems that the author has different views with Richard Dawkins🤣
The author doesn't believe of the theory that "morality is genetic" and he finds notions from sociobiology impossible.
-
Obviously one can learn a lot from this book, I just hope everything that I learned will stay in my brain 🧠
August 31, 2012
A straightforward account of the techniques of forensic science. Erzinclioglu isn't a great writer, but he (she?) gives clear explanations of various methods and how they have been used in cases ancient and modern. I particularly liked his occasional examinations of historic cases like the Romonovs and the crucifixion.
May 28, 2016
Muy muy interesante, demasiado bueno. Aprendí mucho de este libro mientras estudiaba Criminalística, es un manual indispensable y una joya increíble.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews