Blood, Bugs, and Plants, Revised Edition

Book excerpt: Praise for the previous edition: "Honor Book" (Science Grades 7-12 category)—Society of School Librarians International Blood, Bugs, and Plants, Revised Edition explores several core biological areas that have influenced modern forensic science. Entomology ("bugs") is a specialty that uses knowledge about insect life cycles to inform death investigations. Botany ("plants") is a specialty that looks at plant materials as evidence in cases. Occupying the largest part of this eBook, the "blood" section covers the identification of blood and body fluids (determining their origin as human or animal), DNA typing, and blood-spatter patterns. Blood, Bugs, and Plants, Revised Edition takes a look at an exciting area of forensic science. Each chapter in this fascinating eBook provides an overview that briefly introduces readers to basic concepts in forensic science, allowing them to understand how this biological science sheds light on issues in legal cases. The forensic science specialty of criminalistics is also discussed in this comprehensive resource. Chapters include: History and Pioneers Scientific Principles: DNA and Genetics Forensic Analysis: Evaluation and Identification Testing of Blood and Body Fluid Evidence Forensic Analysis: DNA Typing Forensic Analysis: Bugs and Plants The Future.