miRNAs: Perspective towards the use for body fluid identification

Identification of body fluids provides an important lead for crime investigation by which it can give a clue about the nature of the case and assist crime reconstruction. In the last decade, miRNAs have emerged as promising markers for body fluid identification due to their cell- /tissue-specificities. miRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs with ~ 22 nucleotides in length and their small sizes enable them to be resistant to degradation. The possibility to adopt miRNA markers for body fluid identification has been studied in various forensically relevant body fluids. This review aims to give a comprehensive summary of proposed miRNA markers for identifying five body fluids (venous blood, menstrual blood, semen, vaginal secretion and saliva). Based on numerous evaluations of miRNA markers and the development of model analysis using a single panel of miRNAs to identify unknown samples, proposed panels and analysis strategies were gathered and discussed.

POSSIBILITIES OF THE APPLICATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AND MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL MEANS IN THE CRIME INVESTIGATION ACTIVITY

The issues related to the introduction of innovative methods, technologies and technological means in the investigation of crimes are considered. It is noted that one of the main directions of the development of Criminalistics is the assimilation of the virtual reality associated with computerization of spheres of life, implementation of modern technologies and their use in law enforcement. Technology use of laser scanning of terrain and objects resulting in 3D model is produced allows several times to increase informative value of data collected at the incident scene, provides a visual and convenient visualization in three-dimensional form. As against photo and video images, 3D model has a stereoscopic image and the ability to freely change the angle while viewing. Besides to scanning results can be stored on any digital media without the possibility of changes or adjustments. Attention is focused on the technological capabilities of 3D-visualization systems on examples of their use in foreign countries as technological means of capturing the situation of the scene and the subsequent of a crime reconstruction. Thus, using a portable three-dimensional imaging system for working with volumetric traces at a crime scene, it is possible to obtain accurate three-dimensional images of traces of protectors or footprints (shoes) on soil and snow. This system is an alternative to traditional methods of fixing evidence: photofixing and making plaster casts. Unlike other systems, new approach does not require the use of lasers. The expediency of expanding the range of 3D laser scanning system use in modern investigative and judicial practice of our state with the aim of increasing the level of provision of pre-trial investigation authorities with technological means and bringing it closer to European standards is argued.