Alcohol consumption is a major social and forensic issue. It is often the cause of road accidents, industrial accidents, suicides and other crimes. On account of this, it is of fundamental importance in forensic toxicology to correctly quantify blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In this work, a straightforward method for the quantification of ethanol from blood samples by means of headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection is presented and validated. For method validation linearity, limit of detection (LOD), lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), accuracy, precision (% CV) and interference studies were carried out. All the validation conditions were satisfied according to the acceptance criteria. Proof of applicability was performed on 50 real blood samples, showing that the method was effective.

Sudden unexpected deaths often remain unresolved despite forensic examination, posing challenges for pathologists. Molecular autopsy, through genetic testing, can reveal hidden causes undetectable by standard methods. This review assesses the role of molecular autopsy in clarifying SUD cases, examining its methodology, utility, and effectiveness in autopsy practice. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024499832). Searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified English studies (2018–2023) on molecular autopsy in sudden death cases. Data from selected studies were recorded and filtered based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics analyzed the study scope, tissue usage, publication countries, and journals. A total of 1759 publications from the past 5 years were found, with 30 duplicates excluded. After detailed consideration, 1645 publications were also excluded, leaving 84 full-text articles for selection. Out of these, 37 full-text articles were chosen for analysis. Different study types were analyzed. Mutations were identified in 17 studies, totaling 47 mutations. Molecular investigations are essential when standard exams fall short in determining sudden death causes. Expertise in molecular biology is crucial due to diverse genetic conditions. Discrepancies in post-mortem protocols affect the validity of results, making standardization necessary. Multidisciplinary approaches and the analysis of different tissue types are vital.

Purpose Hypothermia occurs when core body temperature drops below 35 °C. The purpose of this review was to identify and analyze studies on the topic of hypothermia from an immunohistochemical perspective to determine robust markers of fatal hypothermia. Methods This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. It has been registered with Prospero (registration number: CRD42024572782). Results In total, 2618 publications met the search criteria. A total of 63 duplicate articles were excluded and a further 2489 publications were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, leaving 29 full-text articles. Furthermore, from the bibliographies of the included articles, four more publications were selected, which also respected the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only six studies identified a statistically significant correlation between immunohistochemical patterns and hypothermia-related deaths. Conclusion The existing literature examined appears fragmented and lacks robust statistical validation. Therefore, there is an evident need for more comprehensive and methodologically rigorous research to develop reliable diagnostic criteria.

Microbiome has recently seen an increase in its forensic applications. It could be employed to identify a suspect when DNA is not available; it can be used to establish postmortem interval (PMI). Furthermore, it could prove to be fundamental in cases of sexual assault. One of the most interesting aspects to study is how microbiomes are transferred. The aim of this review is to analyze the existing literature focusing on the potential transfer of microbiome from humans to environment. Searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified a total of 348 articles. Furthermore, from the bibliographies of the included articles, an additional publication was selected, in accordance with the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study has shown the potential of utilizing microbiomes as trace evidence, particularly in connecting individuals to specific environments or objects. However, the variability and dynamics of microbial transfer and persistence need to be carefully addressed.

The postmortem diagnosis of anaphylaxis remains a forensic challenge due to the lack of specific external signs. Tryptase, a mast cell‐derived protease, has emerged as a potential biomarker for fatal anaphylaxis. This systematic review critically examined 40 studies published between 2014 and 2024, including both biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Literature was identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. Biochemical studies consistently reported elevated postmortem β‐tryptase levels in anaphylaxis‐related deaths, with proposed diagnostic thresholds ranging from 30.4 to 64 μg/L. A diagnostic threshold of 53.8 μg/L demonstrated particularly strong discriminative capacity (AUC = 0.98; p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed an increased number of tryptase‐positive mast cells in lung, pharynx, and skin tissues, but standardized protocols or quantification criteria were lacking. Notably, mast cell localization around bronchioles or vascular structures was more frequent in anaphylaxis cases. Despite promising findings, substantial heterogeneity in postmortem interval, sampling site, and analytical methodology limits the generalizability of current evidence. Elevated tryptase levels were also documented in non‐anaphylactic deaths, underscoring its limited specificity. Overall, tryptase can support the postmortem diagnosis of anaphylaxis when interpreted in the context of autopsy findings, scene investigation, and clinical history. However, it should not be used as a standalone marker. Standardized protocols and combined biomarker panels are urgently needed to enhance diagnostic reliability in forensic settings.