An updated overview of forensic DNA: how STR and mitochondrial testing work, modern sequencing advances, and practical limits.
Iodine (I, Z=53) is a halogen found in seawater, brines and certain seaweeds. This update explains its occurrence, modern extraction approaches, chemical properties, medical uses including thyroid hormones and public-health iodized salt, and safety considerations.
Alkalis are strongly basic substances and alkali metals (lithium to francium). Historically derived from plant ashes, industrial soda ash production moved from the Leblanc method to the Solvay (ammonia-soda) process. Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is made by causticizing or by brine electrolysis. Alkalis are widely used but are corrosive; immediate water irrigation and medical assessment are essential after exposure.
A clear, updated overview of nuclear, mitochondrial, and Y-chromosome DNA and how modern forensic profiling uses STRs and sequencing to compare samples.
Overview of sonography education: program types (certificate, associate, bachelor), accreditation (CAAHEP), clinical training, specializations, skills, and career considerations.
An updated overview of fingerprints: how they form, common pattern types, how latent prints are developed and recorded, and how modern systems and examiners use prints in investigations.
An updated guide to two foundational textbooks: Halliday, Resnick & Walker for broad introductory physics, and Paul Bellan for a focused treatment of plasma physics, with advice on choosing the right book.