Solving crime - Advancements in forensic science | DW Documentary

Science is playing an increasingly crucial role in efforts to solve crime. Soil analyses provide information about the crime scene. Blood samples track the progression of events. Even insects can be used to calculate the time of death. The discovery of DNA analysis heralded what has probably been the most important revolution in the history of criminal investigation. At the same time, it marked a key shift in law enforcement’s approach: before long, it became clear that in addition to police and public prosecutors, an additional group of professionals would be needed provide decisive information in endeavors to solve crime. Namely, forensic scientists. Lorna Dawson specializes in soil investigation. After all, the forest floor is as unique as a fingerprint. Philippe Esperanca can make even invisible blood traces visible. At the Frankfurt Institute of Legal Medicine, entomologist Jens Amendt works with flies and their larvae. Using insects found on a corpse to establish the time of death is a well-established method. But Amendt is taking it to the next level. Omnipresent pollen can provide information as to who has been near a corpse, where a person went before their death, or at which time of year a person died. Due to the longevity of pollen grains, traces are sometimes conserved for thousands of years. This enables Martina Weber from Vienna to help in the investigation of contemporary crimes, as well as to evaluate the historic events in Pompeii. #dwdocumentary #documentary ______ DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary. Subscribe to: ⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumentary ⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumental ⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocarabia ⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/dwdoku ⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/dwdochindi For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610 Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/ Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G