Forensic Sciences Department

The integration of touch DNA analysis with nano-forensic technology presents a revolutionary advancement in the fieldof criminology, offering a new frontier in forensic investigations. Touch DNA refers to the genetic material left behindfrom even the slightest contact with an object or surface, making it a valuable tool for identifying individuals involved ina crime scene. Traditionally, the collection and analysis of such minute samples posed challenges in terms of sensitivityand accuracy. However, recent advancements in nanotechnology have significantly enhanced the capability to detect andanalyse trace amounts of DNA with unprecedented precision.Nano-forensic technology employs nanoscale materials and devices that can magnify the analysis of biological evidenceat the molecular level, improving the detection of DNA from touch samples. These innovations enable forensic expertsto extract, amplify, and sequence DNA from surfaces previously deemed too contaminated or insufficient for traditionalmethods. The development of nanoparticles, biosensors, and nanochips has led to the creation of more efficient,faster, and cost-effective DNA analysis tools, which are particularly useful in criminal investigations where evidencemay be scarce or compromised.Methodologically, this study evaluates DNA recovery rates across various surfaces (e.g., non-porous vs. porous materials)and compares extraction techniques, highlighting the superiority of silica-coated MNPs (92% recovery) over conventionalmethods (65–72%). Nano-assisted PCR and microfluidic systems reduced processing time to under 1 hour whilemaintaining high precision (99.1% allele calling accuracy). Emerging technologies like CRISPR-based enrichment andnanopore sequencing further address challenges in mixed DNA profiles and inhibitor-rich samples.Results demonstratethat nano-forensics enables viable DNA profiling from previously undetectable traces, such as fingerprints on fabricsor degraded cold-case evidence. Field applications showed a 78% success rate in generating actionable leads from lowtemplateDNA. The integration of artificial intelligence and portable nano-devices promises real-time, on-site forensicanalysis, transforming criminal investigations.This paper concludes that nano-forensics not only overcomes the limitations of traditional touch DNA analysis butalso sets a new standard for forensic science, offering unparalleled resolution in justice-driven applications. Futuredirections include standardization and cost reduction to facilitate global adoption.

The serine protease kazal-type inhibitor (SPINK) family is central to the regulation of proteolytic function, the establishment of physiological homeostasis, and the development of many disease states, including cancer. Emerging research has identified that members of the SPINK family are commonly overexpressed in most malignancies and are deeply implicated in pivotal oncogenic pathways like cell growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and drug resistance. This review provides an in-depth examination of structural and functional characteristics of SPINK proteins and their involvement in the onset and development of multiple cancers, which include prostrate, pancreatic, and colorectal carcinomas. Significantly, SPINK proteins regulate major signalling pathways, including EGFR, NF-κB, and MAPK, highlighting their role as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The review underscores the most recent advancements in therapeutic strategies for SPINK-related pathways and outlines the bottlenecks that have restricted their use in the clinic. By integrating current evidence, this work signals the potential of SPINK proteins as good precision oncology candidates with novel options for cancer prognosis, treatment, and management.

Bullet ricochets are a frequent occurrence in shooting situations and can yield a lot of information that helps in the reconstruction of the shooting incident. This review is cumulation of various bullet ricochet examinations done worldwide based on critical angle, target material, and type of bullet, along with methodology opted for ricochet angle calculation. The article overviews ricochet angles observed on common surfaces like wood, concrete, metal sheets, glass, ceramic, water etc. at different critical angles and other relevant findings. The review also explores additional factors impacting ricochet events such as bullet wipes marks, splintering effect, ramping effect, skidding effect, plugging effect and tunnelling effects. The combined knowledge of these discoveries advances our comprehension of both the complex dynamics of bullet ricochets and forensic ballistics.

PurposeDespite the benefits over classical microdiscectomy, Full endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) has been associated with complications attributed to changes in intracranial pressure (ICP). This study aimed to assess intracranial and epidural pressure changes at different spinal levels induced by continuous irrigation during FELD.Materials and methodsEight fresh cadavers (ages 41–78) devoid of cranial or spinal trauma were utilized. RIWOspine and Joimax endoscopic systems were used, with ICP measured via an intraventricular catheter placed at Kocher’s point. Pressure measurements were taken at lumbar, thoracic, cervical, and intracranial levels using 18G-Tuohy needles connected to digital manometers. Measurements were recorded under different irrigation modes (Arthro 120-mmHg, Arthro 195-mmHg, Spine-50 mmHg) and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsThe highest pressure values were observed with Arthro-mode at 195-mmHg, followed by Arthro-mode at 120-mmHg, and the lowest values with Spine-mode. Joimax endoscopes showed higher pressure values than RIWOspine endoscopes, particularly in the lumbar and thoracic regions. Cranial pressure increases were immediate and significant after irrigation initiation, whereas thoracic and cervical pressures increased more slowly. The pressure increase model in the thoracic and cervical regions was not observed in repeated measurements, indicating possible adaptation or relief mechanisms. The average pressure difference across all points was 29.74 mmHg, with the most significant difference in the lumbar region (35.69 mmHg).ConclusionContinuous irrigation during FELD significantly impacts epidural and intracranial pressures. The choice of endoscope and irrigation mode is crucial in minimizing these pressure changes. Proper management can prevent potential complications associated with increased pressure levels.

To curb the negative effect of recent disruptions, the government of India has declared a nationwide lockdown strategy where only essential work is carried out. This bears a severe financial toll laterally with the health disaster. Several individuals have lost their jobs and are struggling to pay off their monthly loan installments. This called for the need for a moratorium on credit. The present paper highlights the impact of a debt moratorium on Indian commercial banks because of the pandemic. It gives a brief commentary on the financial health of banks affected by the stated strategy. A broad-based exploration of the database associated to a debt moratorium on commercial banks during the pandemic in India has been undertaken. Further, a short review has been undertaken on the extracted data through research papers, articles, and reports. The result revealed that though the banks will be benefited from the increased EMI on loans because of the moratorium only if people can repay, that seems highly unlikely due to the crisis. It will further damage the asset quality, and capital requirements and deteriorate the bank’s profitability in the long run.

Deepfakes, hyper-realistic synthetic media, pose significant challenges by depicting individuals in situations they never experienced. While AI-powered deepfake detection methods show promise, they are prone to bias, affecting the authenticity and fairness of outcomes. This study explores the role of explainable AI (XAI) in reducing bias in deepfake detection systems. We analyse bias sources, including data and algorithmic biases, and propose strategies to mitigate them using XAI techniques like LIME and SHAP. We demonstrate how XAI enhances transparency, facilitates bias detection, and promotes fairer deepfake detection outcomes. Our research underscores the ethical implications of AI and the need for trustworthy AI systems to ensure societal well-being. This work contributes to the development of more effective and trustworthy deepfake detection mechanisms.

Questioned document examination is one of the most challenging tasks in the field of forensic science. Examining the document without destroying its integrity is difficult in such cases. Microscopic examination is a noble and mostly non-destructive approach in document examination. It enables the examiner to visualize the evidence in the document, which would have been otherwise difficult with unaided eyes. The purpose of the study was to establish the importance of microscopic examination in document examination. A critical review of 60 years, from 1963 to 2023, of various research papers from different journals has been conducted. Applications of various microscopes including stereo microscopes, digital microscopes, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and atomic force microscopes (AFM) were reviewed. Compared to the basic examinations performed before the year 2000, there was a remarkable evolution involving complex examinations with more precise results after the year 2000. Microscopy helped solve almost all kinds of problems involved in document examination. Among all microscopes, the stereo microscope was found to be a prominent tool in document laboratories. Certain limitations were also listed for microscopic examination over spectroscopic methods. However, microscopes have been the tool of choice for forensic document examiners.