Chemistry For Your Life

How realistic are crime shows about forensics? (with Nicki Stewart)

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CSI makes forensic science look fast, easy, and almost magical. But how much of that is actually true?This week we’re joined by forensic chemist and graduate student Nicki Stewart to answer your questions about forensic science. We talk about crime shows, fingerprints, toxicology, illicit drugs, and what really happens inside a forensic laboratory. Plus, Nicki shares what surprised her most when she worked in a real crime lab and why forensic science is often much slower (and more complicated) than TV would have you believe.

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Time Stamps

  • 0:00 – Do crime shows get forensics right?
  • 1:20 – Nicki’s background in forensic chemistry and toxicology
  • 6:15 – From forensic chemistry to chemistry education
  • 9:10 – The “CSI Effect” and common TV misconceptions
  • 12:30 – Breaking Bad, Project Hail Mary, and science accuracy in entertainment
  • 14:10 – Transitioning from clinical chemistry to forensic chemistry
  • 17:40 – The biggest misconceptions about forensic work
  • 20:20 – Forensic chemistry vs. forensic biology
  • 22:05 – How fingerprints actually form
  • 26:35 – Can fingerprints be removed?
  • 26:55 – How forensic labs identify illicit drugs
  • 31:10 – Which shows portray science most accurately?
  • 33:00 – What’s coming in our next forensic chemistry episode
    • Support this podcast on Patreon
    Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

    Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

    Watch our episodes on YouTube

    Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

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