When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle began the trend in 1887 he probably had no idea just how forensic science would explode or predict the avalanche of crime stories that would follow alongside. Now there's a relative newcomer to the forensics scene - nuclear forensics.
Sherlock Holmes is probably one of the world's best known detectives with Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot a close second. But Holmes and his trusty assistant Dr Watson, conjured up and penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, were the ones who put the magnifying glass on the map as the literary mother of forensic investigations.
In literature and drama we now have a plethora of books, magazines and newspaper articles that focus on the subject, along with the dramas and films which provide gripping entertainment as they follow the intrigues of forensic investigations. Something we humans have a strange fascination for.
When Conan Doyle began this trend in 1887 he probably had no idea just how forensic science would explode or predict the avalanche of crime stories that would follow alongside.
For forensic science the simple magnifying glass has evolved into more complex tools. Now there's an instrument for everything - DNA, fingerprints, skin, hair, you name it, it's there.
There's also a forensic methodology for most fields, geology, pathology, psychology, toxicology, and the list goes on. Science never stops its path of discovery!
But now there's a relative newcomer to the forensics scene - nuclear forensics.
In Australia it's the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation's (ANSTO) National Security Research team which is developing skills in this new area of forensic science said its head, David Hill.
"The work performed by the National Security Research team deals with issues in several areas. It applies ANSTO's expertise in nuclear and material sciences to enhance Australia's national security capabilities. One area encompasses nuclear forensics," said David.
"One of our key forensic research foci is to develop and validate techniques to investigate evidence found in a crime scene contaminated with radioactive material.
"In recent ANSTO studies traditional trace evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, paint chips and glass was exposed to increasing doses of gamma radiation and we observed the effects."
When team member 24 year old Tegan Evans recently visited her high school - Bairnsdale Secondary College - to give a Scientists in Schools Program talk, she was more than happy to tell pupils about her unique research and experiences at ANSTO.
"We observed that gamma radiation caused physical changes or damage to some evidence types, dependent upon sample type and the radiation dose," Tegan explained.
"This information is extremely important as it provides criteria for how forensic investigators collect and exploit evidence exposed to gamma radiation. This may help forensic officers to prioritise evidence collection.
"ANSTO has an agreement with the Australian Federal Police to provide key advice to the senior officer in charge that includes radiation safety and advice on sample handling," Tegan said.
Nuclear forensic techniques play a part in aiding international non-proliferation of nuclear materials, a particular focus of the Australian Government and one that the new Obama government in the United States is highlighting in its nuclear policy.
"Analysis of nuclear material can help combat illicit trafficking and inadvertent movements of these materials. The results obtained by identifying microstructural, isotopic, and chemical signatures may link nuclear materials found or seized to their potential source," Tegan explained.
The National Security Research laboratory at ANSTO is due to be commissioned in the next few months. Here, Tegan can further develop techniques for the exploitation of evidence contaminated with radioactive material.
While talking to the students about how she enjoys a science career, she also explained that she entered the field of nuclear forensic science by taking opportunities that arose.
"Science can lead you down many paths. For me, after two years of an environmental science degree at Monash University, I accessed the university job website looking for a part time position while studying," Tegan said.
"I happened to come across a year-in-industry opportunity at ANSTO which took my interest.
So I researched the position, applied and was successful. After completing my year in industry in 2005 I applied for a full-time position and here I am. I finished my degree, majoring in chemistry, part time at the Univeristy of NSW last year."
But what are the benefits of this work?
"This work is establishing a nuclear forensic capability by supporting Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies," said Tegan.
"If our nuclear forensic analysis can assist authorities in the prevention of the malevolent use of nuclear or radiological materials this can benefit us all, " said Tegan.
ANSTO is not alone in this work. It collaborates nationally and internationally with laboratories, law enforcement and government agencies who work together to produce science and innovation outcomes that enhance capabilities in the area of nuclear forensics and national and international security.
Published: 11/09/2009