Themed collection Security and Forensics

This Editorial introduces the web collection on Security and Forensics, guest edited by Craig Banks and Jason Birkett.

Imaging mass spectrometry can be used to enhance the visualisation of latent fingerprints that cannot be satisfactorily developed by conventional methods.

A biocatalytic assay analyzing the simultaneous presence of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase recognizes biofluids of different ethnic origins for forensic applications.

Raman and Infrared spectra were collected from the same gunshot residue particles and combined into one spectrum. The combined approach was found to enhance statistical discrimination.

The field of microbial forensics has recently sought to develop methods to discern biological signatures to indicate production methods for biological agents.

Dynamic SPME sampling of air followed by GC-MS analysis can detect airborne methamphetamine at former clandestine methamphetamine laboratories and thereby supplement wipe-sampling.

A fingermark developed using MMD on realistically handled cling film.

The application of Raman spectroscopy for the identification of trace lipstick forensic evidence is demonstrated.

A novel colour spot test employing the 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulphonate (NQS) reagent was developed and proposed for use by law enforcement to screen piperazine analogues in seized materials.

The mother of all hangovers: we demonstrate a simple electrochemical screening methodology for Rohypnol in drinks and beverages using screen-printed sensors.

Environmental exposure of automotive clear coat samples over an eight-month period does not affect classification and prediction of class membership by a rapid, simple ATR FT-IR analysis in conjunction with chemometrics.

Ambient pressure thermal desorption ionization mass spectrometry is presented as an analytical tool which could possibly provide high-throughput identification and analysis of forensic samples.

The article demonstrates the fabrication and characterization of a wearable all-solid-state fingertip sensor for rapid on-site screening of explosives and gunshot residues.

This paper reports two methods for calibrating SPME samplers for airborne methamphetamine using a new vapour generator design.

Drug detection in latent fingermarks by two MS methods.

Hydrogen peroxide oxidation systems such as peroxidase peroxide system and Fenton's system inflict significant effect on endogenous urinary steroids. These findings have implication in doping control drug testing programs.

A method capable of discriminating apparently similar fragments of polyurethane foam is proposed, which could spur the exploitation of such materials as contact traces in a forensic context.

The chemical reaction between MDMA and bleach in urine produced N-chloroMDMA, which can potentially be used as a marker of MDMA abuse in bleach adulterated urine specimens.

A new, faster method using a scanning proton microbeam is presented for the non-destructive, quantitative analysis of the elemental composition of single gunshot residue particles.

A rapid generic method was developed and validated on 51 frequently detected drugs in human blood.

p-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde reacts with latent fingermark deposits on paper surfaces to yield yellow-brown impressions of ridge detail which are photoluminescent when viewed under blue-green light (490 nm) with an orange filter (OG550).

MALDI MSI based multidisciplinary approach for condom brand identification from condom contaminated fingermarks.