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Moss is effective in solving crimes, says study

The police have many different ways to find criminals. The most well-known are fingerprints, CCTV, and DNA. A new study shows that moss is used to solve crimes. Moss grows everywhere. Scientists say these tiny plants can be big clues in police investigations. The scientists' research is in the latest edition of the journal Forensic Sciences Research. The scientists looked at all the cases in which moss was used to help solve crimes. Lead author Dr Matt von Konrat said: "We wanted to highlight the significance of botanical evidence because…investigators may be overlooking it." He added: "We're hoping that our study helps show how important these tiny plants can be."

The earliest reported case of police using moss to help in an investigation was in 1929. The amount of moss on a skeleton helped police know when the person had died. In 2013, scientists analyzed tiny bits of moss on a man's shoes. This helped to find where the man's baby daughter was buried. Dr von Konrat led a team that found the girl's body. He said: "Based on the bits of moss, we knew what sort of micro-habitat we were looking for." The father was convicted of murder. Study author and forensic scientist Jenna Merkel said: "Through this paper, we aim to raise awareness of forensic botany." She wants the police to better understand how moss can help during investigations.

 

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Chat

Talk about these words from the article.

police / criminals / fingerprints / CCTV / DNA / moss / crimes / clues / journal / plants / investigation / skeleton / baby / daughter / habitat / murder / scientist / botany 

 

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True / False  

1) The police only have a few ways to find criminals and solve crimes.  T / F

2) The study says moss only grows in a few places.  T / F

3) Moss can be a big help in police investigations.  T / F

4) A researcher said the police might not know just how important moss is.  T / F

5) The first known case of moss being used in an investigation was in 1929.  T / F

6) In 2013, police used moss to find where a baby had been buried.  T / F

7) The mother of a baby girl was found guilty of her murder.  T / F

8) A researcher wants more to know about how useful forensic botany is.  T / F 

 

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Discussion

What do you think of moss?

What's the best way to catch criminals?

How much crime is there in your country?

What other uses of moss can you think of?

What do you think of CCTV being everywhere?

What do you think of moss being used in crime-fighting?

How do you think moss can help the police?

Would you like to be a police investigator?