Molecular Advances in Forensic Science: Integrating Innovation and Investigation
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2025 | Viewed by 7
Special Issue Editor
Interests: pathology; histology; immunohistochemistry; miRNAs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue named “Molecular Advances in Forensic Science: Integrating Innovation and Investigation” is aimed at exploring the evolving synergy between emerging technologies and contemporary forensic methodologies. As forensic science adapts to the increasing complexity of modern investigative demands, advancements in digital forensics, DNA profiling, artificial intelligence, trace evidence analysis, immunohistochemical markers, and molecular biology techniques are transforming standards of precision, reliability, and investigative insight.
It is important to focus on the molecular field of investigation by exploring new ultrastructural patterns or pathways that may highlight stress responses and contribute to the advancement of forensic investigative approaches.
The contributions featured in this collection span interdisciplinary research, applied case studies, and methodological breakthroughs, showcasing how scientific innovation is actively reshaping forensic inquiry.
Advanced and subcellular microscopy techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy (STED, PALM, STORM), push the boundaries of optical imaging far beyond the diffraction limit. These are useful for the specific molecular labeling of cellular components or molecules. Another area of forensic interest could be digital pathology or the use of new bioinformatics techniques.
Potential areas of investigation include the elucidation of novel mechanisms underlying the response to combined acute stress, alongside the refinement and application of both established and emerging analytical methods for assessing injuries inflicted by unconventional or newly engineered weapons. Additionally, an integrative approach combining advanced imaging techniques with molecular biology holds considerable scientific merit when applied to cases of forensic relevance.
By bridging experimental development with operational practice, this issue aims to engage professionals, researchers, and policymakers in a forward-looking dialogue on emerging tools, challenges, and ethical dimensions across the forensic landscape.
Dr. Aniello Maiese
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- DNA profiling
- artificial intelligence
- trace evidence analysis
- immunohistochemical markers
- molecular biology techniques
- super-resolution microscopy
- integrated forensic approach
- new bioinformatics techniques
- digital pathology
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