Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Where you ever shocked by a crime scene?

Asked by Denise_ot5 over 6 years ago

They’re all shocking, in their way, But there hasn’t been one in particular that bowled me over.

Does being a forensic scientist allow time to have a family of your own?

Asked by Sophie almost 6 years ago

Yes, of course! You often have to be a little flexible in your schedule, but it's no more a problem than in any other job.

580 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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if a person licks their fingers in order to aid them in counting money, counts the money and hands ti to another individual who places that money in their bra. Can there be saliva dna transfer to the breast?

Asked by angie over 6 years ago

I suppose that’s theoretically possible, but I wouldn’t think it likely. The saliva would sink into the paper of the money quickly, and then when swabbing the person’s skin you’d have to happen on the exact spot where that tiny bit of saliva transferred to.

I hope that helps!

580 Votes

I bought a pair of buckskin-colored work gloves and just after one day of warring the gloves for work I put them away. Twenty years later would my DNA still be detected from inside of the pair of gloves

Asked by Hank Saxena over 6 years ago

Possibly, I suppose. If they were swabbed thoroughly and the swabs picked up a few skin cells, then it would be within the realm of possibility.

580 Votes

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580 Votes

What does death smell like and why? Do different people smell different?

Asked by asdf almost 6 years ago

It all depends on the circumstances of the death (fire victims can have a smoke smell, of course) but mostly the degree of decomposition. That's the only thing that makes a difference, otherwise everyone is the same.

579 Votes

What is the education needed? The skills needed? The experience needed?

Asked by JaidenKBCL about 6 years ago

That depends entirely on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you want to do DNA analysis and testify in court about it, you may need a PhD in genetics. If you want to work at crime scenes bagging and tagging evidence, you may need only a high school diploma, with added hireability for advanced degrees. The only way to know is to check job opening notices or call the agencies and ask. Best of luck to you.

578 Votes