Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Can a dna test determine whether my husband is an uncle or a half brother

Asked by Donna about 9 years ago

I'm sorry but I don't know. A DNA testing company can probably help you. Best of luck!

885 Votes

What's one of the weirdest cases you've worked?

Asked by Emily over 9 years ago

Unfortunately I can't really discuss that on a public forum. And they're all weird, in their way.

884 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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How stressful is the job, and how do you cop? Was the job more than you expected it to be?

Asked by ssosiak1 over 9 years ago

It can be very stressful at times when unexpected overtime or court interferes with life plans, and at times when we are exhausted/hungry/have five detectives all wanting different things at once. But I just focus on the job what needs to be done right now and looking forward to a shower and bed. No, the job is about what I expected.

884 Votes

In a hanging subject dead can a swelling happen from a bang to head during the cutting down of the body. person dead for 45 mins or more

Asked by Joyce over 8 years ago

As far as I know that shouldn't happen because functions stop when the person dies, but that's really a question for a pathologist. I also don't know if swelling, depending upon where it is, might happen as a result of the hanging. Sorry I can't be more help.

884 Votes

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Is it normal for All Government Offices to Destroy a minor child's death records and accident report????

Asked by Brandy about 9 years ago

Not that I'm aware of. Are you sure they were destroyed? Or simply not located at that office?

883 Votes

s it possible to determine trajectory that a gun was fired, if so, how?

Asked by Noah B almost 9 years ago

At it’s most basic, a trajectory is just geometry. If you can find two fixed points then you can draw a straight line between and beyond them.

883 Votes

What's the most stressful part of being a Forensic scientist?

Asked by Sam over 9 years ago

Being 'on call' and knowing you can be interrupted at any moment of the day and have to go to a crime scene, even if it's the middle of the night or a holiday. Having to get up once or twice during the night after working 10-12 hours and knowing you have to work those hours for another day or two is pretty disheartening. I've also had to change vacations because I have to testify in a trial. I hate that.

882 Votes