Case Studies in Forensic Metallurgy

Nefarious Needle

Image Gallery

Cross section of extra needle showing microstructure and weld. (350X) S.E.M. picture of fracture on extra needle. (260X) S.E.M. picture of region at 12:00 in Figure 2. (650X) S.E.M. picture of region at 6:00 in Figure 2. (650X) Plan view of needle showing bending that occurred before fracture. (64X) S.E.M. picture of fracture surface in subject needle. (280X) S.E.M. picture of region at 6:00 in Figure 6. (680X)

Readings

Moore, Jim. “The Puzzling Origins of AIDS.” American Scientist 92 (November-December 2004): 540.

Russell, Ken. “Report on Fractured Hypodermic Needle.” (PDF)

Assignments

Please prepare a short presentation on the Nefarious Needle case and evidence.

Please prepare a short presentation on the article on HIV/AIDS.

Further Reading

“Calamities” column: ‘The Case of the Nefarious Needle.’ Design News.