Solving crimes with science, forensics

Describes how forensic scientists use clues generated by fires and explosives to solve arson cases and determine the causes of disasters after the fact. Includes discussion of the motives arsonists typically share and brief information on major bombing and arson cases, including that of the Unabomber.

Discusses forensic entomology: the study of insects as they relate to crimes scenes and the identification of bodies, as well as palynology, the study of plant spores and pollen as they relate to crime scene investigation, and highlights incidents in the history of forensic science when evidence from nature played a major role.

Describes how criminal investigations use handwriting and document analysis to identify forgeries, uncover fraud, and sometimes solve crimes. Learn details of forgery detection, graphology, and major cases where document analysis played a pivotal role, like that of the Unabomber. Provides advice on how to become a forensic document examiner.

Introduces the reader to the basics of forensic science and criminal investigation, and discusses the details of mark and trace analysis. Using the clues left by tools, chemicals, body contact, and traces of human activity, forensic scientists can help criminal investigators solve crimes.

Describes crime and criminal investigation as they are viewed in American culture through the lens of mass media, television, and movies, and contrasts this with the everyday reality of forensic scientists and criminal investigators. Discusses the history of the forensic sciences and the rise of crime-in-entertainment.

Describes how forensic anthropologists are able to examine the bodies of crime and disaster victims in order to identify victims and even solve mysteries by piecing together a victim's last moments. Discusses osteology, the study of bones, and taphonomy, the study of decomposition and the effects of death on the body.

Discusses how forensic scientists and crime scene investigators can piece together a criminal's or victim's identity and actions through clues like fingerprints, ear prints, bite marks, and other evidence. Describes several major cases of the 20th century in which botched forensics played a role.