Intro to Hair Analysis
Forensic Science 3/13/14Intro to Hair AnalysisNo Drill Drill
QuizFor each date, write the drill (question and answer) and/or
closure (answer only). Pd. 3 1/27, 2/6, 2/18Pd. 5 1/28, 2/7,
2/19Pd. 6 2/4, 2/12, 2/20HW: Start working on Ch. 10 fill in the
blank review due Monday, 3/17ObjectivesIWBATDescribe the cuticle,
cortex, and medulla of a hair.List hair features that are useful
for examining human hairs.Describe fiber analysisExplain how hair
and fibers should be collected.RootThe root and other surrounding
cells in the hair follicle provide the tools necessary to produce
hair and continue its growth.When pulled from the head, some
translucent tissue surrounding the hairs shaft near the root may be
found. This is called a follicular tag.By using DNA analysis on the
follicular tag, the hair may be individualized.HAIRS AND FIBERSHow
was it
lost?http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/jan2004/research/2004_01_research01b.htm
Natural shedding, e.g. found in a hairbrushForcibly removed
during its growth stage
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/jan2004/research/2004_01_research01b.htm
Burned Freshly razor cut AbradedBroken Freshly cut with
scissorsComparing StrandsThe comparison microscope is an
indispensable tool for comparing the morphological characteristics
of hair. When comparing strands of human hair, the criminalist is
particularly interested in matching the color, length, and
diameter. A careful microscopic examination of hair will reveal
morphological features that can distinguish human hair from the
hair of animals. Scale structure, medullary index, and medullary
shape are particularly important in animal hair identification.
HAIRS AND FIBERSIs it human?HumanPigment evenly distributed or
concentrated near cuticleColor consistent along length of
shaftMedulla is amorphous or absent
Medulla occupies 1/3 the diameter of hairCuticle varies with
speciesRoot shape variesComparing StrandsOther important features
for comparing human hair are:the presence or absence of a
medulla.the distribution, shape, and color intensity of the pigment
granules present in the cortex. The most common request is to
determine whether or not hair recovered at the crime scene compares
to hair removed from the suspect.However, microscopic hair
examinations tend to be subjective and highly dependant on the
skills and integrity of the analyst. HAIRS AND FIBERSHair and
DNARecent major breakthroughs in DNA profiling have extended this
technology to the individualization of human hair. The probability
of detecting DNA in hair roots is more likely for hair being
examined in its anagen or early growth phase as opposed to its
catagen (middle) or telogen (final) phases. Often, when hair is
forcibly removed a follicular tag, a translucent piece of tissue
surrounding the hairs shaft near the root, may be present. This has
proven to be a rich source of nuclear DNA associated with hair.
HAIRS AND FIBERSHair and Mitochondrial DNAMitochondrial DNA can be
extracted from the hair shaft.As a rule, all positive microscopical
hair comparisons must be confirmed by DNA analysis.HAIRS AND
FIBERSCollection and PreservationAs a general rule, forensic hair
comparisons involve either head hair or pubic hair.The collection
of 50 full-length hairs from all areas of the scalp will normally
ensure a representative sampling of head hair.A minimum collection
of two dozen full-length pubic hairs should cover the range of
characteristics present in pubic hair.Hair samples are also
collected from the victim of suspicious deaths during an
autopsy.HAIRS AND FIBERSTypes of FibersNatural fibers are derived
in whole from animal or plant sources.Examples: wool, mohair,
cashmere, furs, and cotton.Man-made fibers are
manufactured.Regenerated fibers are manufactured from natural raw
materials and include rayon, acetate, and triacetate.Synthetic
fibers are produced solely from synthetic chemicals and include
nylons, polyesters, and acrylics.Polymers, or macromolecules, are
synthetic fibers composed of a large number of atoms arranged in
repeating units known as monomers. HAIRS AND FIBERSMany different
natural fibers that come from plants and animals are used in the
production of fabric.
http://www.fireflydiapers.com/articles/diaperarticle_naturalfibersabsorb.htmCotton
fibers are the plant fibers most commonly used in textile materials
The animal fiber most frequently used in the production of textile
materials is wool, and the most common wool fibers originate from
sheep. Natural Fibers
Images:
http://www.trashforteaching.org/phpstore/product_images/YarnWS.JPG
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/july2000/deedric3.htm#Fiber%20Evidencehttp://www.jivepuppi.com/images/fiber_evidence.jpgMore
than half of all fibers used in the production of textile materials
are synthetic or man-made. Nylon, rayon, and polyester are all
examples of synthetic fibers.
Cross-section of a man-made fiberSynthetic Fibers
Fibers under a microscopeFiber EvidenceThe quality of the fiber
evidence depends on the ability of the criminalist to identify the
origin of the fiber or at least be able to narrow the possibilities
to a limited number of sources. Obviously, if the examiner is
presented with fabrics that can be exactly fitted together at their
torn edges, it is a virtual certainty that the fabrics were of
common origin.HAIRS AND FIBERSFiber EvidenceMicroscopic comparisons
between questioned and standard/reference fibers are initially
undertaken for color and diameter characteristics, using a
comparison microscope. Other morphological features that could be
important in comparing fibers are: Lengthwise striations on the
surface of the fiber.The presence of delustering particles that
reduce shine. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber.Compositional
differences may exist in the dyes that were applied to the fibers
during the manufacturing process.HAIRS AND FIBERSMethods for Fiber
ComparisonThe visible light microspectrophotometer is a convenient
way for analysts to compare the colors of fibers through spectral
patterns. A more detailed analysis of the fibers dye composition
can be obtained through a chromatographic separation.Infrared
spectrophotometry is a rapid and reliable method for identifying
the generic class of fibers, as does the polarizing
microscope.Depending on the class of fiber, each polarized plane of
light will have a characteristic index of refraction.HAIRS AND
FIBERSCollection and PreservationThe investigators task of looking
for minute strands of fibers often becomes one of identifying and
preserving potential carriers of fiber evidence.Relevant articles
of clothing should be packaged carefully in separate paper bags.If
it is necessary to remove a fiber from an object, the investigator
must use clean forceps, place it in a small sheet of paper, fold
and label the paper, and place the paper packet inside another
container.HAIRS AND FIBERSPd. 5 & 6Begin Hair and Fiber
Challenge
Hair Examples and Fiber Examples are on Ms. Bloedorns websitePd.
3 ClosureWrite:3 ways to tell if a hair is human3 ways to tell who
it came from (if human)
