Forensics, Narcotics

In a recent interview, we sat down with Kelly Elkins, a Professor of Chemistry at Towson University and Jaden Force, a Graduate Research Assistant at Towson University, to talk about the state of forensics and how they apply spectroscopic techniques in their research.

A recent study shows that handheld near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with artificial neural networks can rapidly and non-destructively distinguish human from animal bones with high accuracy, offering a practical new tool for on-site forensic investigations.

A recent study demonstrated that combining laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with machine learning (ML) can accurately identify gunshot residue from nontoxic ammunition and reliably distinguish shooters from non-shooters despite the absence of traditional elemental markers.

Discover insights from Tom Spudich on forensic science advancements and challenges as AAFS 2026 approaches in New Orleans.

In this interview previewing the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS 2026), Conference, Spectroscopy sat down with James Cizdziel of the University of Mississippi to discuss the state of forensic analysis.

In the lead-up to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference, we reflect on some of the most pertinent ongoing trends in forensic analysis.

This feature reflects on the interviews Spectroscopy magazine conducted in 2025.

Discover how LIBS revolutionizes forensic science by enabling rapid, precise bone identification, overcoming challenges of traditional methods with advanced AI classification.

In this article, we focus on why LIBS is particularly ideal for forensic applications, especially for studying human or animal remains.

Top articles published this week include an interview about drug detection techniques with Robert Ewing of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a feature about how funding cuts are impacting analytical chemists, and a compilation of articles about how Raman spectroscopy is being used in cancer diagnostics.

In this interview segment, Robert Ewing discusses how his contactless method improves on traditional drug detection techniques and how the VaporID technology remains adaptive to emerging synthetic variants.

In Part II of our three-part interview with Robert Ewing, he reviews the results of the Nogales border test.

In the first part of a three-part interview, Robert Ewing discusses the core technology behind the VaporID system, explains how the system differs from current IMS systems, and describes the challenges the team faced in miniaturizing the VaporID device into a portable, microwave-sized system.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) VaporID, which is a newly developed portable air sampling system incorporating a miniaturized mass spectrometer (MS), can detect trace levels of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and even explosives like TNT with great accuracy.

Researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University have demonstrated that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, combined with histological analysis and machine learning, can accurately distinguish between drowning and strangulation in forensic cases.

In this full-length interview, Thomas (Tom) Metz, a Laboratory Fellow and Chief Science Officer of the Biological Sciences Division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, discusses his research and his thoughts from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference.

Top articles published this week include some of our columns in the most recent Spectroscopy magazine issue as well as more coverage from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference.

In this video interview segment, we asked Claire Glynn about the latest technological developments, and what type of challenges forensic scientists are currently facing.

In this video interview segment, Glynn of the University of New Haven discusses the significant advancements in forensic technology, particularly the use of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) for identifying human remains.

In this video interview clip, Claire Glynn highlights the advancements in portable DNA analysis, emphasizing its current role rather than future potential in forensic science.

This interview segment shifts away from the technology that is impacting forensic sciences and instead focuses on a broader issue in the industry.

In this video segment, Metz discusses advancements in field deployable units, such as miniaturized mass spectrometers and separation devices, which are notable for their size reduction.

In this video clip, Eldridge identifies three main challenges in the forensic science field: funding constraints, effective communication of results, and the implementation of new standards.

In this video clip, Metz discusses his focus on molecular measurement science using mass spectrometry (MS) to study small molecules, emphasizing the challenge of identifying and quantifying unknown compounds.

In this video clip, Metz discusses his research in helping to develop advanced MS instrumentation, and how he is applying his work to study diseases.