What is Forensic Biochemistry?

Any forensic science investigation involving biochemistry can be referred to as forensic biochemistry. Forensic biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that merges investigative forensic science protocols with biochemistry principles to analyze biological evidence in criminal investigations. This field is focused on identifying biological molecules such as proteins, DNA, metabolites, and enzymes present in bodily fluids, environmental samples, or tissues, often obtained from crime scenes.

First, forensic science may be defined as the investigation of crime using scientific techniques and methods. These techniques are used to examine the materials that were present at a crime scene. Forensic scientists conduct a thorough analysis of all these materials to get clues about who may have committed the crime. The investigations surrounding murder, rape, and assault are largely dependent on the work of forensic science laboratories to point criminal investigators in the right direction.

Forensic investigations often involve serological and biochemical techniques. The biomedical methods used to conduct forensic investigations constitute the field of forensic biochemistry, which has various applications. For instance, forensic biochemists may be asked to trace the origin of a particular substance, determine paternity or the relationships that specific people or animals share, or even track the spread of diseases.

Notably, according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), DNA analysis, which is a key component of forensic biochemistry, has become one of the most powerful forensic science tools to identify individuals with a high degree of certainty. The AAFS (American Academy of Forensic Sciences) also emphasizes the importance of biochemical techniques to solve crimes and ensure the integrity of evidence processing.

Forensic biochemistry has proven to be invaluable in conducting forensic science investigations, particularly the DNA fingerprinting technique. However, it should be noted that forensic biochemistry must be used with caution, as its findings can have serious implications.

Applications of Forensic Biochemistry

Forensic biochemistry plays an important role in criminal investigations in today’s modern world. It analyzes biological materials to produce vital information. Forensic biochemistry applications span several aspects of forensic science. These include:

• DNA Profiling: DNA is usually collected from sources like hair, saliva, or blood. This fundamental tool is used by forensic biochemists to identify victims or suspects, link individuals to crime scenes, and confirm family relationships. Advancements in this field have improved the speed and accuracy of forensic investigations.

  One notable example is the 1972 cold case of Phyllis Bailer in Indiana. Although this case was unsolved for decades, modern DNA techniques and genetic genealogy helped identify the killer in 2024, bringing long-awaited closure to her family.

• Analysis of Bodily Fluids: Urine, blood, sweat, and other fluids can provide important clues. These fluids are tested by forensic biochemists to determine their origin and type which help investigators in building a timeline of events or determining causes of injury.
• Toxicology Testing: In cases where drug use or poisoning is suspected, forensic toxicologists are involved in analyzing body samples to detect drugs, alcohol, or harmful chemicals. This helps identify the cause of death or impaired behavior.
• Microscopy and Spot Testing: Small samples like powders, skin cells, or fibers can be tested with chemicals or examined under a microscope to learn more about their source and identity. These methods are useful and fast for early-stage crime scene investigations.
• Biochemical Tracing: Forensic biochemists can trace the source of a certain substance, such as linking body fluids to a particular activity or time or matching a blood sample to a specific individual. This can help reconstruct the sequence of events in a case.
• Separation and Identification Methods: Techniques such as spectroscopy and chromatography are used to identify and separate different chemicals in a sample. These methods are helpful in analyzing drug explosives, substances, or unknown materials.

Specializations in Forensic Biochemistry

As mentioned earlier, forensic crime investigations are only one area where forensic biochemistry can be applied. There are many other ways in which it can be used. Those with an interest in forensic biochemistry can specialize in areas such as:

• Forensic science: This involves analyzing evidence from crime scenes using chemical, biological, and physical testing methods.
• Crime scene investigation: This specialization involves the collection of information from a crime scene and using the evidence in criminal trials.
• Clinical chemistry: This specialization is a branch of chemistry concerned with the analysis of bodily fluids for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
• Biology: This area deals with biological evidence, such as blood, hair, and microbes for criminal and civil law investigations. Biological evidence is valuable due to the presence of DNA and helps associate different individuals and animal species with one another.
• Physics: This specialization involves forensic investigation methods such as bloodstain pattern analysis, accident reconstruction, and tracing radioactive materials (e.g., the sources of nuclear weapons).

This is not an exhaustive list, as the field of forensic biochemistry continues to grow and evolve with the development of new technologies and specialized areas.

Careers in Forensic Biochemistry

Once students have completed the required coursework in a forensic biochemistry program, they can explore various job opportunities. This field is steadily growing, with increasing demand for professionals who can help in solving crimes using science. They may work in private forensic laboratories, government crime labs, medical examiner offices, law enforcement agencies, or hospitals. Some may also choose to work in research or academic settings.

Here are a few common career paths:

• Forensic DNA Analyst – These professionals examine DNA samples collected from crime scenes and help in identifying suspects or victims.
• Forensic Chemist – Professionals in this role are involved in testing physical evidence such as paint, fibers, or drugs to support criminal investigations.
• Forensic Serologist – Professionals in this role are involved in analyzing saliva, blood, and other fluids to match samples with individuals.
• Toxicologist – Toxicology professionals detect harmful substances like poisons, alcohol, or drugs in blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.
• Biological Researcher – Biological Researchers study how biological materials behave under different conditions and often help to improve forensic testing techniques.
• Crime Scene Technician – Crime scene techs are involved in collecting, processing, and preserving evidence from crime scenes for lab analysis.
• Lab Analyst – These professionals conduct various tests in forensic laboratories and prepare reports used in legal cases.

According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), employment of forensic science technicians is expected to grow by 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average 4 percent for all occupations. Moreover, the BLS states the median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $67,440 in May 2024.

Finally, this field also offers opportunities for specialization and further studies. With time, professionals can move into leadership roles, research, or teaching.