Browsing: Forensic Toxicology

The NPS Discovery program, established through a novel Miami experiment, plays a critical role in tracking and battling the influx of new synthetic and high-risk drugs, like fentanyl and nitazene analogs, across the United States.

Novel blood protein modification assay detects drug exposure long after traditional tests. Research supported by NIJ grant; led by Dr. Anthony P. DeCaprio.

A recent retrospective observational study conducted in Victoria, Australia, investigates the role of methylamphetamine (MA) toxicity in deaths reported to the Victorian Coroner between 2010 and 2019. The study, authored by Dylan Mantinieks, Melanie Archer, Jennifer Schumann, Olaf H. Drummer, and Dimitri Gerostamoulos, aims to determine the prevalence and contribution of MA toxicity to deaths, particularly in the absence of other factors.

Discover the four critical steps for effective poisoning treatment, from removing unabsorbed poison to administering antidotes, and safeguarding lives.

Arsenic, a deceptive killer, lurks in various forms, camouflaging its venomous nature. Unravel the poisonous compounds of arsenic and the havoc it wreaks on the body. Be aware and safeguard yourself from this hidden danger.

Lead, a steel-gray metal, might seem harmless, but beneath its metallic gleam lies a dangerous secret. Explore the toxic compounds of lead, the impact on the body, and the signs of acute and chronic poisoning. Stay vigilant and shield yourself from this hidden peril.

Mercury, also known as quicksilver, may appear intriguing with its silvery liquid form, but beneath its shimmer lies a dark secret. Uncover the poisonous compounds of mercury, the symptoms of acute and chronic poisoning, and the medico-legal aspects surrounding this silent threat.

Copper, a metal integral to various biological processes, holds a dark secret – its toxic compounds. While copper is essential for our bodies, certain forms of it can be lethal. Explore the enigmatic world of copper poison and its malevolent effects.

Thallium, a soft, heavy metal with a tin-white lustrous color, hides a deadly secret – its toxic compounds and their mysterious effects. From its uses as a depilatory to rodenticide, thallium’s silent lethality demands attention and understanding.

Poison action is influenced by a myriad of factors, from the quantity ingested to the form and mode of administration. Let’s unravel the complexities and understand the various nuances that determine the impact of poisons on the human body.

Discover the captivating world of toxicology and forensic toxicology as we explore the classification of poisons. Learn about acute, chronic, and fulminant poisoning, as well as poisons based on their mode of action and nature.

Discover the diverse world of narcotics and their effects on the central nervous system. We explore three main categories of drugs: depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens, shedding light on their origins, usage, and potential consequences.

Explore a groundbreaking study that unveils the brain’s potential to regulate fentanyl consumption, providing hope in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction.

Read about the new method developed by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the National Board of Forensic Medicine, for measuring the effect of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in order to provide a scientific basis for narcotics classification. The method provides an effective way to classify NPS and other narcotics, which can help combat drug abuse and keep people safe.

Information on some of the most commonly used date rape drugs, including Rohypnol, GHB, Ketamine, Xanax, and Valium. It also includes statistics on drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) and provides precautions that can be taken to prevent the use of these drugs. Additionally, the document discusses the Sexual Offences Act passed by the Maldives government in 2014, which criminalizes the administration of intoxicating substances with the intent of facilitating sexual activity without consent.

A new vaccine has been developed that targets the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl that could block its ability to enter the brain, thus eliminating the drug’s “high.”

The research – conducted with The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), New Zealand – analyses the retention of methamphetamine residues on different surfaces.

NIJ-supported research offers a new workflow for complicated drug analysis and improves upon traditional workflow.

Date: Thursday, July 8th, 2021 Source: Boston University School of Medicine As analytical instrumentation (gas- and liquid-chromatographs coupled with mass spectrometers) increase in sensitivity and speed, forensic scientists may find themselves still hindered by the process of preparing samples (blood, urine, etc.) for analysis and seeking more efficient approaches. In an article in WIRES Forensic Science, researchers from Boston University School of Medicine’s (BUSM) Biomedical Forensic Sciences program, provide an overview of sample preparation techniques and information on routine sample types that may be encountered in forensic toxicology cases. Forensic toxicology encompasses a large variety of scenarios including drug-facilitated crimes, understanding…

National Institute of Justice-supported researchers from RTI International recently published the results of their research showing that field sobriety tests and THC levels are unreliable indicators of marijuana intoxication. The full study can be read here. A summary of the research is available here and provided the following take-aways that will be of interest for DWI attorneys: The researchers reported that the one leg stand, walk and turn, and modified Romberg balance tests were not sensitive to cannabis intoxication for any of the study participants.Results from the toxicology tests showed that the levels of all three targeted cannabis components (THC, cannabidiol, and cannabinol)…