Forensic Microscopy: Truth Under the Lenses

Forensic Microscopy: Truth Under the Lenses provides an overview and understanding of the various types of microscopes and their techniques employed in forensic science. The book emphasizes both the theoretical and practical aspects of microscopy to enrich the reader’s understanding of the various tools, techniques, and utility―including strengths and weaknesses―of types of microscopes in analyzing certain forms of evidence.

The book begins with the history of microscopes, the basic optics for microscopy, then moves to advanced microscopies such as electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes. In addition to the various types of microscopes and how to use and best utilize them, the book looks at the analysis of specific types of evidence, including hair, fiber, fingerprint, body fluids, tool marks, ink, pollen grains, spores, diatoms, bullets, cartridges, among other evidence types. Since forensic science is an applied, hands-on discipline, the book includes both a theoretical and a practical approach to the topic.

Key Features:

• Addresses simple to advanced microscopy techniques for the effective analyses of trace evidence
• Pairs chapters on a particular type of microscopy, explaining it thoroughly, before delving into specific usage for forensic applications
• Presents theories and as well as real-world application of concepts
• Provides abundant micro-photographs, including graphical representations and flow charts, to illustrate concepts clearly

Forensic Microscopy serves as a helpful reference for undergraduate and postgraduate students in forensic science, forensic biology, forensic chemistry and related programs. It is also recommended for research students, academicians, technicians, industry and laboratory professionals working on trace evidence analysis.

Dr. Ritesh K Shukla holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Forensic Science and is presently working as an Assistant Professor in the Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences of Ahmedabad University. He has authored more than 50 research articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and edited two books. He serves as a reviewer of various international peer-reviewed journals. He is the recipient of the Early Career Research Award from DST-SERB, Government of India; Chairman’s awards for Excellence in Teaching and Experiment to Advance Active Learning (Innovation in Teaching) Ahmedabad University.

Dr. Neeti Kapoor holds a PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science and is presently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Government Institute of Forensic Science, Nagpur. She has above 50 international research and review papers and chapters to her credit. She serves as a reviewer for many esteemed international publishers. She has delivered over 150 invited talks, guest lectures, and practical demonstrations on various aspects of forensic science to police officers and academic institutions. She is the recipient of Special Recognition Awards for her contribution to Scientific Aid to Investigation and the Best Young Woman Faculty Award.

Dr. Ashish Badiye holds a PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science and is presently serving as the Head and Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Government Institute of Forensic Science, Nagpur. He has over 50 international research and review articles and chapters to his credit. He serves as a reviewer for several revered international journals. He has delivered over 250 invited talks, workshops, demonstrations to police officers and various academic institutions across India. He is the recipient of the Young Scientist Award, Best Young Faculty Award and Special Recognition Awards for Scientific Aid to Investigation.