Today we are learning about the structure of the hair

So that we can see how it is used within forensic science

We will be able to complete the worksheet on Hair Biology

HAIR

Hair is made from keratin (a protein) with a scaly covering called the cuticle. Each hair is attached to the scalp by a root. The hair of every animal group or species is different. The root, shape, length, colour and microscopic features of a dog's hair are different from those of human hair.

Hair from different parts of the body is also different. For example human head hair is different from human facial hair. It is also possible for a skilled examiner to tell the difference between, hair from people of different races.

Biology of Hair

Hair is an outgrowth of the skin and is produced from a structure called the hair follicle. Humans develop hair follicles during fetal development, and no new follicles are produced after birth. Hair is composed of the protein keratin. Keratin is also the primary component of fingers and toenails.

Today we are learning to analyse hair under the microscope

So that we can see the difference between species and different human hairs

We will be able to use the microscope effective and identify different types of hair and the structure of the hair you are looking at

Fibers

• Fibers are the smallest unit of a textile material that has a length many times greater than its diameter.

• Fibers can be spun with other fibers to form a yarn that can be woven or knitted to form a fabric.

• The type and length of fiber used, the type of spinning method, and the type of fabric construction all affect the significance of fiber evidence.

• Matching unique fibers on the clothing of a victim to fibers on a suspect’s clothing can be very helpful to an investigation.

• Cross transfers and multiple fiber transfers between the suspect's clothing and the victim's clothing dramatically increases the likelihood that these two individuals had physical contact.

Natural Fibers:

• Many different natural fibers that come from plants and animals are used in the production of fabric. Cotton fibers are the plant fibers most commonly used in textile materials, while the most common animal fiber is wool. Most wool fibers come from sheep.

Synthetic Fibers:

• More than half of all fibers used in the production of textile materials are synthetic or man-made

• Nylon, rayon, and polyester are examples of synthetic fibers.

Fibre Evidence

Complete the worksheet below using the Hairs and Fibres PowerPoint above.

Hair and Fibre Evidence Case Study

From the above website answer the following questions:

https://thestephenlawrencemurder.weebly.com/the-evidence-hair-and-fiber.html

1. Who was the victim?

2. What happened?

3. Who were the suspect(s)?

4. What was the hair and fibre evidence used within the case.? (Provide details)

5. What other evidence was used within the case? (Provide details)

6. What was the outcome of the case?

7. What else can you find out about this case?