by Dawn Papandrea
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False: An odontologist examines teeth of unidentified bodies to help make an identification.
2. A DNA fingerprint is created by taking a DNA sample at a crime scene and multiplying it through a high-tech process called polymerase chain reaction.
True. DNA fingerprints are then compared to suspects' DNA samples.
3. To determine if a person has fired a gun, investigators can pour a chemical solution on a suspect's hands; if they turn yellow, there is residue.
False. Examining their hands under an electron microscope will reveal residue.
4. DNA technology has been used to tag unique sports memorabilia to prove authenticity and combat fraud.
True: The NFL marked all of the Super Bowl XXXIV balls with synthetic DNA.
5. To find traces of blood, crime scene investigators sometimes spray luminol to trigger a chemical reaction and make the blood visible.
True: Luminol emits a greenish-blue light when it comes in contact with hemoglobin, a protein in blood.
6. A medical examiner can tell exactly to the minute how long a person has been dead based on the insects that are found on the corpse.
False. By figuring out the stage of insect development, forensic entomologists can estimate time of death; weather and different insect species create variables.
7. When collecting evidence like blood or body fluids, investigators must seal the evidence in a plastic container to keep it free from air until analysis.
False. Wet evidence must be removed from sealed containers within two hours before microorganisms begin to grow and alter evidence.
8. When an investigator collects potential electronic evidence such a computer or phone, an important rule is to not turn it on or off, but leave as is.
True. Turning on or off a device without consulting an expert can alter the evidence, activate a lockout feature, or result in the loss of data.
Answers:
- 0-2: Cold case.
- 3-5: Investigation in progress.
- 6-8: Crime solved.
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