How realistic are crime shows about forensics? (with Nicki Stewart)

CSI makes forensic science look fast, easy, and almost magical. But how much of that is actually true?This week we’re joined by forensic chemist and graduate student Nicki Stewart to answer your questions about forensic science. We talk about crime shows, fingerprints, toxicology, illicit drugs, and what really happens inside a forensic laboratory. Plus, Nicki shares what surprised her most when she worked in a real crime lab and why forensic science is often much slower (and more complicated) than TV would have you believe.

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Time Stamps

0:00 – Do crime shows get forensics right? 1:20 – Nicki’s background in forensic chemistry and toxicology 6:15 – From forensic chemistry to chemistry education 9:10 – The “CSI Effect” and common TV misconceptions 12:30 – Breaking Bad, Project Hail Mary, and science accuracy in entertainment 14:10 – Transitioning from clinical chemistry to forensic chemistry 17:40 – The biggest misconceptions about forensic work 20:20 – Forensic chemistry vs. forensic biology 22:05 – How fingerprints actually form 26:35 – Can fingerprints be removed? 26:55 – How forensic labs identify illicit drugs 31:10 – Which shows portray science most accurately? 33:00 – What’s coming in our next forensic chemistry episode

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References from the Episode:

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