First Biology Section

The First Biology Section is responsible for research and casework conceming human body tissues such as hair, skin, and other soft tissues. Leading studies on hair comparisons have been conducted in this section. Furthermore, the influence of addictive drugs and toxic substances on the organs has been cytopathologically investigated.

Forensic Hair Comparison

Morphological examination and elemental analysis by SEM

Evidential hair samples collected from crime scenes can tell us much important information such as species origin, body region, blood grouping, and peculiar morphology. Forensic hair comparison is performed by morphological examination, ABO blood grouping, and some analyses such as the elemental analysis of hair components with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Moreover, the interpretative system of hair morphology has been investigated to help improve the precision of forensic hair comparison.

Cytopathological Study on the Influence of Addictive Drugs on the Brain

Cytopathological changes in the brain after cocaine administration.

The abuse of addictive drugs is widely spreading in the world, becoming a serious social problem as addictive drugs not only damage the abuser's body but also threaten society and its safety. Immunohistochemical and cytopathological studies on the brains of experimental animals that were administered addictive drugs have been carried out to identify their influence on the brain.