Mar. 25, 2008 Real-life crime scene analysis of bloodstains,
fingerprints, and other evidence does not match the speed and
certainty on television shows such as CSI. But thanks to
advances in chemistry, fact is catching up with fiction as
researchers develop faster, more sensitive forensics tools,
according to an article "Clues at the scene of the crime"
scheduled for the March 24 issue of Chemical & Engineering News.
The article, written by C&EN Senior Editor Mitch Jacoby,
describes up and coming forensics tools just unveiled at
Pittcon, a major laboratory science conference held earlier this
month in New Orleans. These new tools include a highly-sensitive
method for identifying the specific dyes used to color acrylics,
cotton, nylon, and other types of fibers, a technique that could
help distinguish between fibers that appear similar. Other
innovative tools include a handheld spectrometer for on-site
detection of explosives and illegal drug residues and a long-
lasting fluorescent dye solution that allows a