Feature

Crime-busting chemical analysis

By 2024-02-26T05:00:00

A crime scene technician wearing white overalls and latex gloves collects evidence from a lawn with some tweezers

Source: © Monty Rakusen/Getty Images

From dog detectives to AI, discover the cutting-edge advances in forensic science

Imagine a crime scene and think about all the clues you might find there. Now, imagine all of them vanishing from the scene. It may be hard to believe, but this isn’t likely to worry a modern forensic scientist. We’ve become so good at fighting crime that we can even deal with what we can’t see and it’s raising important questions about how chemists look at evidence. Read the article to discover the chemistry behind some of the latest breakthroughs in forensic science, from dog detectives to artificial intelligence. Download the resource for the breathalyser reaction’s equipment and chemicals list, hazards and disposal information. Demonstrate the reaction to show an application of the oxidation of alcohols and develop your 16–18 learners’ observation skills. Task them to recall their knowledge of redox equations and the properties of transition elements using the student worksheet.

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