A photo of scientists working in a lab with an overlay of graphics on top. The graphics depict icons of DNA, charts, beakers, and other scientific instruments.

Things You Should Know But Don’t: How Forensic Science Uses AI

If you’ve heard anything about artificial intelligence (AI) recently, it has most likely concerned its impact on the artistic community […]

Douglas Wood - January 30, 2023
Dark photo of a female detective looking at a cork board. On the board there are notes and newspaper clippings.

Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Golden Age of Serial Killers

John Wayne Gacy. Jeffrey Dahmer. Ted Bundy. The Zodiac Killer. Son of Sam. Even people who don’t actively seek out […]

Douglas Wood - January 16, 2023
A picture of someone working at a desk covered in evidence bags, folders, and documents related to a criminal investigation

Things You Should Know But Don’t: The FBI & Forensic Science

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation was created in 1908 by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte. At the time, the U.S. […]

Douglas Wood - December 19, 2022
A red 3D model of DNA against a dark background

Things You Should Know But Don’t: What Works in Forensic Science

In my last blog, I discussed the ways that a lot of forensic science in pop culture is taken on […]

Douglas Wood - December 5, 2022
Typewriter, fingerprints and papers on desk in office. Detective's workplace

Things You Should Know But Don’t: Pitfalls of Forensic Science

If you’re a fan of true crime, you’re likely familiar with many of the forensic methods police and detectives use […]

Douglas Wood - November 21, 2022
A top-down image of a person in a hoodie typing on an illuminated keyboard against a black background

Things You Should Know But Don’t: Serial Killer Fandoms

True crime has been a popular genre for several decades.  At this point, it’s common for people to watch a […]

Douglas Wood - November 7, 2022

Things You Should Know But Don’t: AI and the Art of Horror

Several months ago, OpenAI’s image generator, DALL-E Mini, entered the popular lexicon, trending on social media to the point where […]

Douglas Wood - October 24, 2022
Young woman holding her phone in front of her face against a grey background. There is a red, face-scanning laser grid on her face.

Things You Should Know But Don’t: Can AI Know Your Age?

Commonly, biometric data is used to provide security in our day-to-day lives. We unlock our phones and open private apps […]

Douglas Wood - October 10, 2022
Dark wooden cellar door open at bottom of old stone stairs bright sun light rays shining in

Things You Should Know But Don’t: America’s First Serial Killer

The period from 1970 until the late 1990s is popularly known as the “Golden Age” of serial killers in the […]

Douglas Wood - September 26, 2022
A 3D model of DNA, glowing orange on a dark blue background

Things You Should Know But Don’t: How DNA Solves Cold Cases

I’ve spent some time in the past discussing biometric data and all of the privacy concerns that come along with […]

Douglas Wood - September 12, 2022
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