Next Science Café in Canton and Potsdam to focus on bone saws and forensics

CANTON — Cutting-Edge Investigations is the title of the next Clarkson University Science Café in Canton Canton on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7:15 p.m. and Potsdam on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 7:15 p.m.

In 1930, a legal precedent was set for the use of tool marks in U.S. courts, declaring that “the edge on one blade differs as greatly from the edge of another as the lines on one human hand differ from the lines on another” (Washington 1930).

But how unique are these features when interpreted from toolmark evidence in bone?

Saws are one of the most common tools encountered in forensic anthropological investigations, particularly in cases involving dismemberment.

Investigators must understand how saws create marks, determine what these marks relay about a blade’s characteristics, then assess how accurate these features are at identifying a saw or group of saws.

Join Alicia Grosso, Clarkson Professor of Physical Therapy, as she reviews how microscopic saw mark analysis helps forensic anthropologists identify potential saw blades in forensic investigations.

Science Cafés bring together local university and college professors and townspeople in relaxed, informal settings, such as coffeehouses and pubs. The speaker will make a presentation about a topic in their field and, as always, there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

The Canton events will be held Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in The Rushton Conference Room in the Best Western University Inn at 90 E. Main Street, Canton. The Potsdam events are held on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room at 2 Park St.

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The Science Café is sponsored by Clarkson University School of Arts & Sciences.