By Kevin G. Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT I always had an interest in science and math at a young age. And for some reason, I was enamored with drugs and poisons too. Some of my favorite television shows as a teenager were Murder She Wrote and Quincy, M.E. – yes, I know I’m...
By George S. Behonick, Ph.D. F-ABFT In recognition of National Forensic Science Week (NFSW), September 18-22, 2023, I am putting pen to paper to capture some thoughts on what this means to Axis Forensic Toxicology. The euphemism, “Dead men tell no tales”, is oft used...
By Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT As mentioned in previous blog posts, novel psychoactive substances (NPS) come in different varieties and the Novel Emerging Compounds (NEC) Panel offered by Axis Forensic Toxicology helps to detect the most newly emerged NPS on the...
By George S. Behonick, Ph.D., F-ABFT, Laboratory Director, Chief Toxicologist Synthetic compounds designed to mimic the pharmacology of various illegal drug classes infiltrated the illicit drug market during the last decade plus; this includes synthetic cannabinoids...
By Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds designed or consumed to mimic the effects of typical recreational substances such as diacetylmorphine (heroin), cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, or even prescription medications. As...
