Forensic Art Service - In an age of computer-aided drawing, it might seem that there would be little use for a forensic artist sketching a face by hand. Not true, as this site demonstrates. For all their sophistication, current computer composite programs lack the ability to produce good profiles or three-quarter views, and identification may hinge on such images. In addition to drawing composites of criminals' faces, forensic artists are expected to show the results of age progression, a process of great help when trying to locate either fugitives or missing persons. Sculptural skill is needed when reconstructing a face from skeletal remains, and samples show the remarkable results that can be obtained. You might experience some eyestrain as you peer at the red-on-black text, but the subject matter is intriguing enough to suffer a little. However, Java applets, especially long titles that load one letter at a time, can seem torturous if the viewer has no means for avoiding them (only one instance encountered, but that was quite enough). Rating: 8 out of 10 (10 April 2002) AD
http://www.forensicartist.com/index.html

The Virtual Autopsy - Ever imagined yourself as Quincy, TV's perma-tanned pathologist? Don't fancy 6 years of medical school? The Virtual Autopsy web site presents case histories of a number of deceased patients detailing symptoms, examination results and progression. Your aim is to determine the cause of death from a number of given options. Choose the right cause and you'll get the thumbs up, get it wrong and you'll be given hints pointing you in the right direction. Mini-tutorials on aspects of anatomy relevant to the cases are also included making these pages a valuable study aid for students of the field. You don't, however, have to be a budding physician to enjoy the site; it's essentially a puzzle game with some anatomy and pathology thrown in. Anyone can have a stab at it. (26 February 2001) HJ
http://www.le.ac.uk/pathology/teach/va/welcom...

Forensic Science Project - This online hands-on science course allows students to develop their scientific and group working skills through the performance of forensic science activities. The course consists of nine lessons: Fingerprinting, DNA Fingerprinting, Chromatography, Physical Evidence, Chemical Analysis, Blood Analysis, Soil Analysis, Radiation and Half Life. Each lesson is concluded with an assessment exercise in a crime-solving format. The site also provides both teacher and student worksheets and the opportunity for contribution in a forensic entomology research project run by the Simon Fraser University in Canada. (20 January 2001) RM
http://www.schoolnet.ca/vp-pv/fscience/e/intr...

Crime & Clues - Law enforcement on the web - the art and science of criminal investigation. The site provides the latest crime news, as well as features on the likes of how a crime scene is reconstructed, fingerprint evidence, and the full spec on forensics. Sadly, some of the most interesting looking links, such as the one to the FBI's crime scenes techniques are dead. The discussion forum is not too active but there's a nice article about the recovery (26 December 2000) DB
http://crimeandclues.com/index.htm

Introduction to forensic entomology - Forensic entomology is the application of the study of insects and other arthropods to legal issues. The stages of the blowfly life cycle can determine time of death of a corpse, for instance. This site covers such subjects as what happens to a corpse after death, how wasps have been used as murder weapons, how blowflies in the genitoanal region are a sign of sexual assault before death. There are 27 case histories showing how insects led to a conviction: how chigger bites convicted a man of murder, how weevil larvae inside cockleburs on a ski mask convicted a rapist. A good bibliography of journal articles is in the process of compilation. A fascinating depiction of a little-known area of scientific interest. (2 September 2000) SM
http://www.uio.no/~mostarke/forens_ent/introd...

The DNA Files - Genetic radio on the web. The genetic revolution affects us every day: our health, our food, our families. DNA Files host John Hockenberry brings us the stories of real people whose lives have been changed in ways that seemed unimaginable only a few years ago. DNA in forensics, disease prediction, gene therapy and of course genetically modified organisms are all discussed. If you don't fancy downloading the RealPlayer files you can still read summaries of all his broadcasts. (27 August 2000) DB
http://www.dnafiles.org/

Evidence: The True Witness - A great site that explores forensic science. Well designed with extensive use of flash and shockwave animations, the site was created by 3 teenagers from Australia and America. A thorough overview of the subject including anthropology, ballistics, entomology and toxicology, the site also has a career page, interactive detective game and extensive links. (29 July 2000) BA
http://library.thinkquest.org/17049/

Forensic Science Web Page - Ever since Sherlock Holmes first got out his magnifying glass, forensic science has been one of the public's favourite sciences. This site gives a rare first hand insight into the world of the forensic investigator--its author specialises in counter-terrorism work, among other things. Interested in how investigators can match a bullet to a weapon or how even wearing gloves doesn't always protect criminals from identification? This site has the answers. (15 September 1999) DERB
http://home.earthlink.net/~thekeither