Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112714
Gerben Rijpkema , Dylan Kalisvaart , Serafim Korovin , Daniel Spengler , Anna Pals , Jaap van der Weerd , Carlas S. Smith
Forensic microtrace investigation relies on time- and labour-intensive microscopic analyses. To aid forensic experts in their investigations, an image recognition model for microtrace localisation and classification is needed. In this work, we use deep learning to automate trace recognition in images captured with automated microscopy. We localise and classify fibres, hairs, skin, glass and sand in microscopy scans through pixel-wise classification of tape-lift samples. As deep learning requires extensive amounts of annotated training data, we additionally investigate various pretraining strategies to minimise the required annotation workload. We compare ImageNet pretraining, pretraining with self-supervised learning and a sequential application of these approaches. We find that pretrained models are able to reduce the required annotated data twofold compared to models trained from scratch while retaining the prediction accuracy. While our ImageNet-pretrained models outperform our self-supervised-pretrained models, we achieve the highest accuracy by combining the two approaches, resulting in a factor 4 reduction of manual annotated microtraces or a 65 % improvement in recognition and localisation accuracy (mean intersection over union increases from 0.34 to 0.56 due to pretraining) when training on only 2.2 dm of annotated tape lift scans. The developed models offer a solid fundament for automated analysis of forensic microtrace scans.
{"title":"Reducing manual labour in forensic microtrace recognition with deep learning","authors":"Gerben Rijpkema , Dylan Kalisvaart , Serafim Korovin , Daniel Spengler , Anna Pals , Jaap van der Weerd , Carlas S. Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic microtrace investigation relies on time- and labour-intensive microscopic analyses. To aid forensic experts in their investigations, an image recognition model for microtrace localisation and classification is needed. In this work, we use deep learning to automate trace recognition in images captured with automated microscopy. We localise and classify fibres, hairs, skin, glass and sand in microscopy scans through pixel-wise classification of tape-lift samples. As deep learning requires extensive amounts of annotated training data, we additionally investigate various pretraining strategies to minimise the required annotation workload. We compare ImageNet pretraining, pretraining with self-supervised learning and a sequential application of these approaches. We find that pretrained models are able to reduce the required annotated data twofold compared to models trained from scratch while retaining the prediction accuracy. While our ImageNet-pretrained models outperform our self-supervised-pretrained models, we achieve the highest accuracy by combining the two approaches, resulting in a factor 4 reduction of manual annotated microtraces or a 65 % improvement in recognition and localisation accuracy (mean intersection over union increases from 0.34 to 0.56 due to pretraining) when training on only 2.2 dm<span><math><msup><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> of annotated tape lift scans. The developed models offer a solid fundament for automated analysis of forensic microtrace scans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112714"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145818582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112761
Gang Yu , Bingqian Bai , Maoxu Zhou , Mingxing Zhang , Bo Xuan , Mingyuan Zhang , Xiangyan Zhang , Yanjie Shang
Accurate estimation of intra-puparial age in necrophagous flies is essential for determining the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic entomology. Traditional methods based on morphological observation of intra-pupal structures are widely used but rely on complex diagnostic criteria and are subject to observer bias, posing a technical bottleneck in PMI estimation using insect evidence. Deep learning, particularly image-based methods, offers a promising solution for objective and automated identification in forensic entomology. Sarcophaga peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a common necrophagous fly species. In this study, we propose an image-based deep learning framework for automatic classification of intra-pupal developmental age in S. peregrina to enhance the accuracy of PMI estimation. Pupae were reared at 25 °C, and samples from different developmental stages (Day 1 to Day 11) were collected. After removing the puparium, high-resolution images of intra-pupal morphology were captured to construct a dataset. A ResNet50 network was first employed to extract regions of interest, followed by a Vision Transformer (ViT) model for end-to-end classification of developmental stages. The proposed method achieved a classification precision of 94.00 %, recall of 93.41 %, and F1-score of 93.43 %. These findings demonstrate that deep learning can serve as an effective and objective alternative to manual morphological assessment, reducing reliance on expert experience in intra-puparial age estimation. The proposed approach establishes a viable AI-assisted pathway for standardized, rapid, and accurate PMI inference based on insect evidence, offering practical value for forensic investigations.
{"title":"Deep learning method based on image recognition for intra-puparial age and postmortem interval estimation in the forensically important Sarcophaga peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)","authors":"Gang Yu , Bingqian Bai , Maoxu Zhou , Mingxing Zhang , Bo Xuan , Mingyuan Zhang , Xiangyan Zhang , Yanjie Shang","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112761","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate estimation of intra-puparial age in necrophagous flies is essential for determining the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic entomology. Traditional methods based on morphological observation of intr<u>a-</u>pupal structures are widely used but rely on complex diagnostic criteria and are subject to observer bias, posing a technical bottleneck in PMI estimation using insect evidence. Deep learning, particularly image-based methods, offers a promising solution for objective and automated identification in forensic entomology. <em>Sarcophaga peregrina</em> (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a common necrophagous fly species. In this study, we propose an image-based deep learning framework for automatic classification of intra-pupal developmental age in <em>S. peregrina</em> to enhance the accuracy of PMI estimation. Pupae were reared at 25 °C, and samples from different developmental stages (Day 1 to Day 11) were collected. After removing the puparium, high-resolution images of intra-pupal morphology were captured to construct a dataset. A ResNet50 network was first employed to extract regions of interest, followed by a Vision Transformer (ViT) model for end-to-end classification of developmental stages. The proposed method achieved a classification precision of 94.00 %, recall of 93.41 %, and F1-score of 93.43 %. These findings demonstrate that deep learning can serve as an effective and objective alternative to manual morphological assessment, reducing reliance on expert experience in intra-puparial age estimation. The proposed approach establishes a viable AI-assisted pathway for standardized, rapid, and accurate PMI inference based on insect evidence, offering practical value for forensic investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112761"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112760
Mashal Khalid, Tatiana Kameneva, Chris McCarthy
The analysis of footprints to infer human characteristics and biometric information is a valuable tool in forensic investigation. Traditional methods rely primarily on physical measurements and observational analysis, which requires significant time, effort and specialized expert judgment. This study proposes a novel, automated, end-to-end approach to gender classification and stature estimation from footprints, using image analysis and traditional machine learning methods. Specifically, this we employ a image pre-processing techniques for Region of Interest extraction to segment foot prints in images and identify toe and heel exterior points through convexity and defectiveness points. The study utilized a dataset of 396 footprints from 33 participants (18 males and 15 females, aged 18–48 years, height range 148–182 cm). Hyper-parameter tuning via grid search optimization is employed and traditional Machine Learning (ML) models, including Logistic Regression (LR), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Decision Tree Classifier (DTC), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), are benchmarked for the task of both inferring gender, and stature. We specifically focus on traditional ML methods due to their relatively modest training data requirements, with the aim of establishing their feasibility for such forensic analysis. KNN demonstrated better accuracy overall for gender classification achieving 0.91 accuracy, while Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) outperformed other methods for stature estimation with MAE of 4.10 cm and RMSE of 5.42 cm, however varying strengths and weaknesses of each classifier for gender classification and stature estimation were observed. Our results suggest that the strongest performing traditional ML methods offer a feasible solution for such analysis, however expanding the training dataset to incorporate more footprint examples of more varying quality and depicting a greater diversity of population is likely necessary to fully realise a workable end-to-end solution. Such datasets may also open the door to more advanced deep learning methods.
{"title":"Forensic gender and stature identification from footprint images using machine learning","authors":"Mashal Khalid, Tatiana Kameneva, Chris McCarthy","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112760","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The analysis of footprints to infer human characteristics and biometric information is a valuable tool in forensic investigation. Traditional methods rely primarily on physical measurements and observational analysis, which requires significant time, effort and specialized expert judgment. This study proposes a novel, automated, end-to-end approach to gender classification and stature estimation from footprints, using image analysis and traditional machine learning methods. Specifically, this we employ a image pre-processing techniques for Region of Interest extraction to segment foot prints in images and identify toe and heel exterior points through convexity and defectiveness points. The study utilized a dataset of 396 footprints from 33 participants (18 males and 15 females, aged 18–48 years, height range 148–182 cm). Hyper-parameter tuning via grid search optimization is employed and traditional Machine Learning (ML) models, including Logistic Regression (LR), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Decision Tree Classifier (DTC), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), are benchmarked for the task of both inferring gender, and stature. We specifically focus on traditional ML methods due to their relatively modest training data requirements, with the aim of establishing their feasibility for such forensic analysis. KNN demonstrated better accuracy overall for gender classification achieving 0.91 accuracy, while Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) outperformed other methods for stature estimation with MAE of 4.10 cm and RMSE of 5.42 cm, however varying strengths and weaknesses of each classifier for gender classification and stature estimation were observed. Our results suggest that the strongest performing traditional ML methods offer a feasible solution for such analysis, however expanding the training dataset to incorporate more footprint examples of more varying quality and depicting a greater diversity of population is likely necessary to fully realise a workable end-to-end solution. Such datasets may also open the door to more advanced deep learning methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112760"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112759
SiYang Zeng , Eugénia Cunha , Francisco Curate
This study investigates secular changes in femoral metric morphology within the Portuguese population. It aims to explore patterns of anthropometric data and assess how secular trends may influence the performance of univariable models for sex estimation. Using 449 skeletal samples (229 females and 220 males) from Portuguese individuals born between 1805 and 1947 and deceased between 1870 and 2012, six femoral measurements were analysed: vertical head diameter (FVHD), transverse head diameter (FTHD), neck height (FNH), neck axis length (FNAL), epicondylar breadth (FEB), and maximum length (FML). In the Portuguese population, significant correlations of FNH and FNAL with birth and death years were observed in both sexes, decreasing in FNH and increasing in FNAL. These findings suggest a secular trend toward a narrower and longer femoral neck. While FML increased over time in males, it remained relatively stable in females. Meanwhile, FVHD, FTHD, and FEB maintain a secular constancy in the Portuguese population. These findings underscore the need to consider temporal and biological influences when developing or applying forensic anthropological sex estimation models in a specific population. Additionally, this cross-sectional study found that both FNH and FML show statistically significant negative correlations with age at death. Further research using longitudinal data is needed to confirm whether these patterns result from degenerative processes, cohort effects, or both.
{"title":"Secular trends in femoral measurements and their implications for skeletal sex estimation in the Portuguese population","authors":"SiYang Zeng , Eugénia Cunha , Francisco Curate","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates secular changes in femoral metric morphology within the Portuguese population. It aims to explore patterns of anthropometric data and assess how secular trends may influence the performance of univariable models for sex estimation. Using 449 skeletal samples (229 females and 220 males) from Portuguese individuals born between 1805 and 1947 and deceased between 1870 and 2012, six femoral measurements were analysed: vertical head diameter (FVHD), transverse head diameter (FTHD), neck height (FNH), neck axis length (FNAL), epicondylar breadth (FEB), and maximum length (FML). In the Portuguese population, significant correlations of FNH and FNAL with birth and death years were observed in both sexes, decreasing in FNH and increasing in FNAL. These findings suggest a secular trend toward a narrower and longer femoral neck. While FML increased over time in males, it remained relatively stable in females. Meanwhile, FVHD, FTHD, and FEB maintain a secular constancy in the Portuguese population. These findings underscore the need to consider temporal and biological influences when developing or applying forensic anthropological sex estimation models in a specific population. Additionally, this cross-sectional study found that both FNH and FML show statistically significant negative correlations with age at death. Further research using longitudinal data is needed to confirm whether these patterns result from degenerative processes, cohort effects, or both.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112759"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145667325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-30DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112757
Dimitrios Perisynakis, Christos Batis
This paper presents the findings from a multinational survey conducted in February 2024. Data from 18 forensic laboratories across 13 European countries were collected and analysed. The study investigates the implementation of IBNS (Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation Systems), the use of staining inks (indelible security inks usually containing forensic taggant agents) as a deterrent measure against physical attacks on ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) and CITs (Cash in Transit), and the traceability of ink-stained banknotes as well as other stained evidence. The analysis reveals the widespread reliance of the experts’ investigation on data supplied by companies, which is often not independently verifiable raising concerns about its exploitation for forensic conclusions. The paper emphasizes the need for (a) standardized procedures and oversight in IBNS supply chain, (b) improved law enforcement cooperation, and (c) centralised data frameworks. With this publication, we aim to formally document the survey's results as a legacy reference and establish a foundation for future collaboration between forensic laboratories, companies involved in the IBNS supply chain, law enforcement and regulatory authorities.
{"title":"Towards harmonised practices in tracing staining inks from activated Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation Systems (IBNS): Findings from a multinational European survey","authors":"Dimitrios Perisynakis, Christos Batis","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112757","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112757","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the findings from a multinational survey conducted in February 2024. Data from 18 forensic laboratories across 13 European countries were collected and analysed. The study investigates the implementation of IBNS (Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation Systems), the use of staining inks (indelible security inks usually containing forensic taggant agents) as a deterrent measure against physical attacks on ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) and CITs (Cash in Transit), and the traceability of ink-stained banknotes as well as other stained evidence. The analysis reveals the widespread reliance of the experts’ investigation on data supplied by companies, which is often not independently verifiable raising concerns about its exploitation for forensic conclusions. The paper emphasizes the need for (a) standardized procedures and oversight in IBNS supply chain, (b) improved law enforcement cooperation, and (c) centralised data frameworks. With this publication, we aim to formally document the survey's results as a legacy reference and establish a foundation for future collaboration between forensic laboratories, companies involved in the IBNS supply chain, law enforcement and regulatory authorities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112757"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145667395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112758
Inga Siebke , Zuzana Obertová
Dorsal hand image comparison (DHIC) as a branch of forensic identification develops along with the rapid improvements in image resolution and thus dorsal hand features have become a viable area for morphological image comparisons. A short online survey targeting practitioners in image comparison and analysis was created to gain an overview of the global status quo of DHIC. In total, 32 valid responses from 18 different countries were received. Despite different levels of work experience of the participants, it seems that DHIC is increasingly used in a variety of case types. However, several limitations have been acknowledged, including the lack of training and best practice guidelines. In conclusion, DHIC is an emerging field in forensic investigation and practitioners call for structured training opportunities and the establishment of best practice guidelines. In addition, more research into various aspects of the dorsal hand features, such as the effect of ageing and kinship would be beneficial.
{"title":"Dorsal hand image comparison: A survey of image comparison practitioners","authors":"Inga Siebke , Zuzana Obertová","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dorsal hand image comparison (DHIC) as a branch of forensic identification develops along with the rapid improvements in image resolution and thus dorsal hand features have become a viable area for morphological image comparisons. A short online survey targeting practitioners in image comparison and analysis was created to gain an overview of the global status quo of DHIC. In total, 32 valid responses from 18 different countries were received. Despite different levels of work experience of the participants, it seems that DHIC is increasingly used in a variety of case types. However, several limitations have been acknowledged, including the lack of training and best practice guidelines. In conclusion, DHIC is an emerging field in forensic investigation and practitioners call for structured training opportunities and the establishment of best practice guidelines. In addition, more research into various aspects of the dorsal hand features, such as the effect of ageing and kinship would be beneficial.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112758"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145676880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112756
Johannes Rødbro Busch, Carl Johan Wingren
Evidence-based forensic research necessitates the creation of large and valid datasets. However, in our experience many departments face a challenge in how to extract this data from electronically archived records. This technical note describes a custom script created in the Python programming language. The program can extract data on decedent sex, age, body height, body weight, organ weight, organ dimensions, degree of putrefaction, listed cause of death, medical history and scene description from approximately 23,000 records in under two hours. Validity for many of these data are around 97–99 %. The program can be modified to extract any type of information. Data that are structured uniformly in the records result in higher data validity. Compared with manual extraction of data, automated extraction provide several benefits, including speed, accuracy, and flexibility.
{"title":"Technical note: Automated data extraction from autopsy reports using a custom Python script","authors":"Johannes Rødbro Busch, Carl Johan Wingren","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112756","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112756","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Evidence-based forensic research necessitates the creation of large and valid datasets. However, in our experience many departments face a challenge in how to extract this data from electronically archived records. This technical note describes a custom script created in the Python programming language. The program can extract data on decedent sex, age, body height, body weight, organ weight, organ dimensions, degree of putrefaction, listed cause of death, medical history and scene description from approximately 23,000 records in under two hours. Validity for many of these data are around 97–99 %. The program can be modified to extract any type of information. Data that are structured uniformly in the records result in higher data validity. Compared with manual extraction of data, automated extraction provide several benefits, including speed, accuracy, and flexibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112756"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112751
Yueyan Cao , Qiang Zhu , Yuguo Huang , Yuhan Hu , Haoyu Wang , Yufang Wang , Ji Zhang
Microhaplotypes (MHs), characterized by short fragment lengths and high polymorphism, hold great promise for forensic applications. Here, we present a streamlined multiplex MHs detection system based on pyrosequencing (PSQ), incorporating several key innovations: (1) selection of highly polymorphic short-fragment MHs from the 1000 Genomes Project (1KGP); (2) algorithmic optimization of nucleotide dispensation orders for accurate haplotyping; (3) utilization of peak-height simulation to augment the dataset, overcoming the limitation of scarce empirical data for machine learning; and (4) CLPSQ-Net, a deep contrastive learning framework for deconvoluting multiplex PSQ signals. In this feasibility study, the system demonstrated simultaneous genotyping of four MH loci (6–7 haplotypes per locus) and an input sensitivity of 100 pg of DNA in a preliminary evaluation. Simulated and experimental signals showed high concordance (cosine similarity >0.98 for uniplex, >0.99 for multiplex). CLPSQ-Net achieved 89.7 % classification accuracy and an F1-score of 88.4 % on experimental data, outperforming traditional regression methods (which exhibited accuracies below 38 % on the PSQ-8 dataset) by a substantial margin. This proof-of-concept study establishes a scalable framework for multiplex MH genotyping via PSQ. Our method-development study offers substantial improvements over conventional workflows: superior base-calling accuracy, streamlined efficiency with automated dispensation ordering, and expanded utility for complex loci profiling.
{"title":"Proof-of-concept study on an integrated multiplex pyrosequencing system and CLPSQ-Net algorithm for multiplex microhaplotypes genotyping","authors":"Yueyan Cao , Qiang Zhu , Yuguo Huang , Yuhan Hu , Haoyu Wang , Yufang Wang , Ji Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microhaplotypes (MHs), characterized by short fragment lengths and high polymorphism, hold great promise for forensic applications. Here, we present a streamlined multiplex MHs detection system based on pyrosequencing (PSQ), incorporating several key innovations: (1) selection of highly polymorphic short-fragment MHs from the 1000 Genomes Project (1KGP); (2) algorithmic optimization of nucleotide dispensation orders for accurate haplotyping; (3) utilization of peak-height simulation to augment the dataset, overcoming the limitation of scarce empirical data for machine learning; and (4) CLPSQ-Net, a deep contrastive learning framework for deconvoluting multiplex PSQ signals. In this feasibility study, the system demonstrated simultaneous genotyping of four MH loci (6–7 haplotypes per locus) and an input sensitivity of 100 pg of DNA in a preliminary evaluation. Simulated and experimental signals showed high concordance (cosine similarity >0.98 for uniplex, >0.99 for multiplex). CLPSQ-Net achieved 89.7 % classification accuracy and an F1-score of 88.4 % on experimental data, outperforming traditional regression methods (which exhibited accuracies below 38 % on the PSQ-8 dataset) by a substantial margin. This proof-of-concept study establishes a scalable framework for multiplex MH genotyping via PSQ. Our method-development study offers substantial improvements over conventional workflows: superior base-calling accuracy, streamlined efficiency with automated dispensation ordering, and expanded utility for complex loci profiling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112751"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112753
Marina Charest, Susanna Meola, Laëtitia Gasté, Pierre Esseiva
Chemical profiling of illicit drugs plays a key role in linking seizures and supporting investigations related to illicit drug trafficking. Separative analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), remain the standard method for chemical profiling thanks to their ability to provide detailed insights into chemical composition. However, valuable intelligence generated through this process often remains unexploited by investigators, primarily because the associated analytical and administrative procedures delay its availability. These delays can impact the early phase of investigations when rapid information is most critical. This study evaluates the feasibility of using rapid and portable spectroscopic techniques to initiate the illicit drug profiling process earlier in investigations. 277 cocaine specimens were profiled using the reference GC-MS method and classified into their respective chemical classes. These specimens were also analyzed with near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and pairwise spectral comparisons using the Euclidean distance metric were performed between the populations of linked (intra-variability) and unlinked (inter-variability) samples. Results demonstrate that these techniques effectively discriminate cocaine specimens identified as either linked or unlinked by the reference method, with NIR spectroscopy showing higher discrimination. Finally, the practical implementation, added value and limitations of integrating these rapid techniques into the illicit drug profiling process are discussed.
{"title":"Chemical profiling of cocaine using portable spectroscopic techniques: Towards timely illicit drug intelligence","authors":"Marina Charest, Susanna Meola, Laëtitia Gasté, Pierre Esseiva","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112753","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112753","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chemical profiling of illicit drugs plays a key role in linking seizures and supporting investigations related to illicit drug trafficking. Separative analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), remain the standard method for chemical profiling thanks to their ability to provide detailed insights into chemical composition. However, valuable intelligence generated through this process often remains unexploited by investigators, primarily because the associated analytical and administrative procedures delay its availability. These delays can impact the early phase of investigations when rapid information is most critical. This study evaluates the feasibility of using rapid and portable spectroscopic techniques to initiate the illicit drug profiling process earlier in investigations. 277 cocaine specimens were profiled using the reference GC-MS method and classified into their respective chemical classes. These specimens were also analyzed with near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and pairwise spectral comparisons using the Euclidean distance metric were performed between the populations of linked (intra-variability) and unlinked (inter-variability) samples. Results demonstrate that these techniques effectively discriminate cocaine specimens identified as either linked or unlinked by the reference method, with NIR spectroscopy showing higher discrimination. Finally, the practical implementation, added value and limitations of integrating these rapid techniques into the illicit drug profiling process are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112753"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112752
Michaela A. Storen, Xavier A. Conlan, Damien L. Callahan, Michelle L. Harvey
Blowfly larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) have been suggested to have practical application as a toxicological target in forensic science. These larvae may be of use for gunshot residue analysis where traditional analytical targets such as the liver or entry wounds are absent and may allow an opportunity to identify toxins, drugs and gunshot residue from a corpse. A primary weakness of GSR identification in entomotoxicology is the lack of a standardised methodology for processing the larvae for accurate determination of GSR. In this study, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) larvae were exposed to pork mince that was shot 4 times at close range, the larvae were then sampled 12 hourly. A wash protocol for the larvae was developed and the concentrations of Ga, Ba, and Pb, key GSR markers were determined in Lucilia sericata larvae and the solution used to wash them to identify the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Both the whole larvae and each respective wash solution were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analysis of the wash solutions revealed that a minimum of two washes were required to remove external contaminants prior to ICP-MS analysis of the whole larvae. This work demonstrates the importance of implementing an effective wash protocol when measuring GSR of forensic interest within larvae, as contaminants on the surface of the larvae could lead to misinterpretation of data.
{"title":"Effectiveness of a washing protocol for the removal of gunshot residue from forensically relevant Lucilia sericata larvae","authors":"Michaela A. Storen, Xavier A. Conlan, Damien L. Callahan, Michelle L. Harvey","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112752","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112752","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Blowfly larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) have been suggested to have practical application as a toxicological target in forensic science. These larvae may be of use for gunshot residue analysis where traditional analytical targets such as the liver or entry wounds are absent and may allow an opportunity to identify toxins, drugs and gunshot residue from a corpse. A primary weakness of GSR identification in entomotoxicology is the lack of a standardised methodology for processing the larvae for accurate determination of GSR. In this study, <em>Lucilia sericata</em> (Meigen) larvae were exposed to pork mince that was shot 4 times at close range, the larvae were then sampled 12 hourly. A wash protocol for the larvae was developed and the concentrations of Ga, Ba, and Pb, key GSR markers were determined in <em>Lucilia sericata</em> larvae and the solution used to wash them to identify the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Both the whole larvae and each respective wash solution were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analysis of the wash solutions revealed that a minimum of two washes were required to remove external contaminants prior to ICP-MS analysis of the whole larvae. This work demonstrates the importance of implementing an effective wash protocol when measuring GSR of forensic interest within larvae, as contaminants on the surface of the larvae could lead to misinterpretation of data.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"379 ","pages":"Article 112752"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}