About This Webinar
Determining the origin of bloodstains, whether human or non-human, is critical in forensic investigations. Building on groundbreaking research by Bian et al., who introduced a self-referencing peak algorithm for analyzing Raman spectra of bloodstains, Weber expands the applicability of this method.
Previously limited to three non-human species, Weber’s team extended the analysis to 18 non-human species. By comparing the intensity ratios between the bands at 1003 and 1341 cm-1 in the Raman spectra, threshold that effectively distinguishes human from non-human blood samples can be identified. The self-referencing algorithm demonstrated successful classification of spectra averaged from donors across all 18 non-human species. Notably, this algorithm is user-friendly, requiring minimal training or statistical expertise, which enhances its practicality for forensic applications. The Raman spectroscopy technique employed is rapid, nondestructive, and highly accurate, underscoring its potential as a valuable tool in forensic science.
*** This presentation premiered during the
2024 BioPhotonics Conference. For more information on Photonics Media conferences and summits, visit
events.photonics.com
About the presenter
Alexis Weber, Ph.D., is the CEO of the start-up company SupreMEtric LLC. She received her doctorate from the chemistry department at the University at Albany, SUNY. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida in Forensic Science – Analytical Track. Then going on to receive her Master of Science degree in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven. Her research interests focus on the use of spectroscopy for forensic purposes, primarily the analysis of biological fluids and trace evidence. With this experience she has had a unique opportunity to balance being both a member of academia as well as learning about the science industry. Weber is also the CEO of SupreMEtric LLC, a university spin-off start-up founded by Igor Lednev. This company focuses on the commercialization of Raman spectroscopy products paired with chemometrics to identify body fluids.