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News in Brief

Negligent DNA Testing Has Affected Thousands of New York Criminal Cases

New York City's crime lab has been a pioneer nationally in analyzing especially difficult DNA samples. But the recent disclosure of the source code for its proprietary software is raising new questions about accuracy.

Lauren Kirchner

News in Brief

The Questionability of Forensic Science

A recent study on the reliability of hair analysis is only the latest to shake public confidence.

Ryan Gabrielson

News in Brief

Will ‘DNA Phenotyping’ Lead to Racial Profiling by Police?

Bioethicists, geneticists, attorneys, and cops weigh the pros and cons of a radical new science.

Lauren Kirchner

Environment

To Catch an Arsonist: Will We Ever Have a Reliable Way to Identify Fire Starters?

Gradual advancements in the art and science of fire investigation continue.

Lauren Kirchner

Environment

The Flaws of Familial DNA Matching

New research warns investigators of inaccurate results, and unfairness to minorities.

Lauren Kirchner

Social Justice

Do Television Shows Like ‘CSI’ Deter Cybercrime?

The curious case of the “inverse CSI effect.”

Lauren Kirchner