By Stuart A. K. Kurtz, M.S., D-ABFT-FT Forensic science has always been the field I wanted to work in. I made my parents buy me a book at the Scholastic Book Fair in 3rd grade on forensic science. From there, I started looking at what areas interested me the most. I...
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 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...
