Hypericum pollen determines the presence of burglars at the scene of a crime: an example of forensic palynology.

摘要: Two male intruders entered a house in which the sole female occupant slept having left back door unlocked for return of her live-in boyfriend. She awoke and saw strangers bedroom. The ran off, one leaving jacket behind on kitchen floor. One subsequently returned to recover his jacket, but rush leave he brushed against flowering Hypericum bush growing just outside door. A suspect was arrested later that day charged with indecent assault burglary, denied any involvement refused name associate. following offence suspect's clothes were taken forensic examination. Pollen analysis selected parts clothing showed track pants contained 14% pollen, denim 24%, polo shirt 27.5%. Traces pollen occurred other items. Most these grains still had their cell contents preserved clumps consistent recently been collected by not aerially dispersed. from identical colour, shape, development, size range clothing. so much them they have direct intimate contact bush. evidence is its nature circumstantial often cannot be used own convict, or more strictly determine truth. may elsewhere, detailed investigations indicated this unlikely. In 30 years New Zealand work only ever found trace amounts. This way palynology can assist law enforcement agencies history criminal action, demonstrates should considered as an integral part investigation.