{"id":4739,"date":"2023-09-02T09:52:41","date_gmt":"2023-09-02T09:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/?p=4739"},"modified":"2023-09-02T09:52:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-02T09:52:41","slug":"meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/2023\/09\/02\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth"},"content":{"rendered":"<article data-page=\"\/uae\/crime\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" class=\"article  \" data-featured-image=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-6-1691041660958_189b9f00033_medium.jpg\" data-sections=\"uae,crime\" data-authors=\"By Aghaddir Ali, Senior Reporter\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Article\" id=\"1.96941423\">\n<header>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col text-left \">\n<div class=\"tag-container live mb-3\">\n                    <span class=\"tag text-uppercase\"><br \/>\n                    Exclusive<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col d-none d-md-block\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h1 itemprop=\"headline\" class=\" \" data-article-head=\"\">Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth<\/h1>\n<p class=\"lead \">She detects toxic substances, &#8216;odour fingerprints&#8217; to help solve crime<\/p>\n<hr class=\"divider\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-9 gn-col-article-meta\">\n<div class=\"article-meta\">\n        <time class=\"publish\" itemprop=\"datePublished\" datetime=\"2023-08-03T09:47:41+04:00\"><br \/>\n    Published:\u00a0<br \/>\n        <span class=\"time\">August 03, 2023 09:47<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/time><\/p>\n<p>    <span itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" itemprop=\"author\" class=\"author\"><br \/>\n            <a rel=\"author\" class=\"font-weight-bold\" itemprop=\"sameAs\" href=\"#\"><br \/>\n                    <span itemprop=\"name\">By Aghaddir Ali, Senior Reporter<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/a><br \/>\n    <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-3 gn-col-share text-md-right\">\n<div class=\"article-share gn-media-share-links\">\n<a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"share-link facebook\" data-share=\"facebook\" data-url=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" data-description=\"Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth\"><br \/>\n    <svg viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n        <use xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink:href=\"\/\/gulfnews.com\/svg\/gn-sprite.svg#icon-social-fb\"><\/use>\n    <\/svg><br \/>\n<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"share-link twitter\" data-share=\"twitter\" data-url=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" data-description=\"Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth\"><br \/>\n    <svg viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n        <use xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink:href=\"\/\/gulfnews.com\/svg\/gn-sprite.svg#icon-social-twitter\"><\/use>\n    <\/svg><br \/>\n<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:?subject=Meet%20Hessa%20Al%20Tamimi%2C%20Dubai%20Police%E2%80%99s%20nanoscale%20super%20sleuth&#038;body=https%3A%2F%2Fgulfnews.com%2Fuae%2Fcrime%2Fmeet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" class=\"share-link mail d-none\" data-share=\"mail\" data-url=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" data-description=\"Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"whatsapp:\/\/send?text=Meet%20Hessa%20Al%20Tamimi,%20Dubai%20Police%E2%80%99s%20nanoscale%20super%20sleuth%20-%20https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" data-action=\"share\/whatsapp\/share\" class=\"share-link whatsapp d-none gn-d-mobile\" data-share=\"whatsapp\" data-onlyon-mobile=\"true\" data-url=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" data-description=\"Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"share-link linkedin d-none\" data-share=\"linkedin\" data-url=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/meet-hessa-al-tamimi-dubai-polices-nanoscale-super-sleuth-1.96941423\" data-description=\"Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"share-link share-arrow\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" data-share-options=\"true\" data-toggle=\"gn-share-popover\" data-placement=\"bottom\" data-trigger=\"focus\" html=\"true\" data-popover-content=\"#gn-share-popover\"><br \/>\n    <svg viewbox=\"0 0 8 8\">\n        <use xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink:href=\"\/\/gulfnews.com\/svg\/gn-sprite.svg#share\"><\/use>\n    <\/svg><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"divider\">\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"article-body\" itemprop=\"articleBody\">\n<figure itemprop=\"associatedMedia image\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" class=\"article-main-image media-landscape pull-left\">\n            <picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-53-1691041655839_189b9efec44_large.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-53-1691041655839_189b9efec44_large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-53-1691041655839_189b9efec44_medium.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi 53-1691041655839\"><br \/>\n            <\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n                Hessa Al Tamimi, the first specialist in nanomaterials at Dubai Police headquarters. A part of her job involves nanoscale forensics, which deals with intricate cases, from identifying hazardous materials and toxic substances to conducting post-mortems and employing advancedcrime-detection techniques.<br \/>\n                <span class=\"image-credit\">Image Credit: Aghaddir Ali<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Dubai: Hessa Al Tamimi is a scientist and a super-sleuth. As a member of the investigative community, she deals\u00a0with\u00a0intricate cases, from identifying hazardous materials and toxic substances to conducting post-mortems and employing advanced forensics.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>In the last four years since starting her post, Al Tamimi has already established herself as a standout talent in the domain. Presently serving as an assistant expert in forensic toxicology at the General Department of Forensic Science and Crime of the Dubai Police, her contributions have left an indelible impression in the field.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"PA_mid-article\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"cacher\">\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>All Tamimi is a recognised international expert, and is called upon to testify in court as an expert witness.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Her expertise \u2014 toxicology \u2014 is a scientific discipline that deals with understanding the properties, impacts, and identification of poisons.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<figure itemprop=\"associatedMedia image\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" class=\"media-portrait pull-left\">\n        <picture>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-6-1691041660958_189b9f00033_original-ratio.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi 6-1691041660958\">\n        <\/picture><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n            Hessa Al Tamimi: Analysing materials at the nanoscale is a highly specialised field. Compared to nanoparticles, human hair strands have a much larger size \u2014 typically ranging from 17 to 181 micrometers in diameter.<br \/>\n    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div id=\"gulfnews_uae_article_1\" data-gpt=\"Gulfnews_Article\/gulfnews_uae_article\/gulfnews_uae_article_1\" data-atf=\"0\" data-size=\"[320,50]\" data-size-mapping=\"[ [ [ 1024, 500 ], [ [300,100], [300,250], [710,250], [710,400], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [ 768, 420], [ [300,100], [300,250], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [640, 320], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [0, 0], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ] ]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>She has further sub-specialised in nano-materials, having earned a master\u2019s degree in this crucial field. This makes her a pioneer specialist in this field at the Dubai Police General Headquarters.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<h2>Start of police work<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Dubai Police sent Al Tamimi to take her Bachelor\u2019s degree in Chemistry in 2015 at the University of Sharjah, and completed it in 2019 at the top of her class.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>She then took her Master\u2019s degree in the Imperial College London, one of the world\u2019s premier institutes of learning, focussing on nanomaterials \u2014 and completed her degree with distinction.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<div class=\"more-similar-article\">\n<h3 class=\"text-uppercase similar-title\">READ MORE<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/uae-dubai-police-forensics-department-solves-99-of-criminal-cases-assigned-to-it-1.92531619\"><br \/>\n                UAE: Dubai Police forensics department solves 99% of criminal cases assigned to it<br \/>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n<li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/uae-forensics-team-in-abu-dhabi-discover-new-manmade-drug-1.95768513\"><br \/>\n                UAE: Forensics team in Abu Dhabi discover new manmade drug<br \/>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n<li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/gulfnews.com\/uae\/crime\/dubai-police-can-now-compare-over-18-million-ballistic-fingerprints-worldwide-in-under-an-hour-1.95210467\"><br \/>\n                Dubai Police can now compare over 1.8 million ballistic fingerprints worldwide in under an hour<br \/>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>As part of her Master\u2019s research, Al Tamimi developed a mechanism for detecting chemical substances in biological samples on a portable device, allowing for immediate diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div id=\"gulfnews_uae_article_2\" data-gpt=\"Gulfnews_Article\/gulfnews_uae_article\/gulfnews_uae_article_2\" data-atf=\"0\" data-size=\"[320,50]\" data-size-mapping=\"[ [ [ 1024, 500 ], [ [300,100], [300,250], [710,250], [710,400], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [ 768, 420], [ [300,100], [300,250], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [640, 320], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [0, 0], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ] ]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>She then joined the Department of Toxicology in the Department of Forensic Science specialised in the General Department of Forensic Evidence and Criminology.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<h2>Biological samples<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Nanoparticles are used to support nano-chemical detection. In police work, nanoscale techniques greatly help in testing devices for toxic substances in biological samples.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>In toxicology, the nanoscopic scale is a lower bound to the mesoscopic scale for most solids.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<div class=\"story-block pull-left\">\n<div class=\"fact-box\">\n<div class=\"fact-box-title\">What are nanomaterials?<\/div>\n<div class=\"fact-box-content\">\n            * Nanomaterials are materials that consist of nanoparticles, which are particles typically in the size range of 1 to 100 nanometers (1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter). At this scale, the properties and behaviours of materials can differ significantly from their bulk form.<\/p>\n<p>* Nano materials, or nanoscale materials and sensors, can more efficiently detect and identify trace amounts of substances, including DNA, drugs, and chemical residues, which may be crucial in solving crimes.<\/p>\n<p>* Nanoparticles with unique properties can also be used as tracers to tag and track evidence. For example, these tracers can be applied to stolen goods, currency, or illicit substances, allowing law enforcement to trace their movements and uncover criminal networks. <\/p>\n<p>* Nanoparticles can be designed as drug delivery systems for forensic purposes. These nanoparticles can target specific areas in the body, aiding in the delivery of chemical agents, tracers, or contrast agents, which may be used in forensic investigations, such as identifying injuries or analyzing biological samples.\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<div class=\"story-block pull-left\">\n<div class=\"article-gallery\">\n<div id=\"carousel-article-47c24246-f623-4037-9ec0-769b554f1817\" class=\"carousel slide\" data-ride=\"false\" data-interval=\"false\">\n<div class=\"carousel-inner\">\n<div class=\"carousel-item active\">\n                        \t<picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-2-1691041652072_189b9efdd8b_large.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-2-1691041652072_189b9efdd8b_medium.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-2-1691041652072_189b9efdd8b_large.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi 2-1691041652072\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t                <\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"image-caption\">\n                                The odour imprint technique works by separating individual chemical compounds in a mixture using gas chromatography, the chemical imprint of those compounds is then analysed using a mass spectrometer.\u201d<br \/>\n                                <span class=\"image-credit\">Image Credit: <\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item \">\n                        \t<picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-6-1691041660958_189b9f00033_large.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-6-1691041660958_189b9f00033_medium.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-6-1691041660958_189b9f00033_large.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi 6-1691041660958\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t                <\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"image-caption\">\n                                Nanotechnology hold significant promise for crime forensics \u2014 it enables the development of highly sensitive and selective forensic tools.<br \/>\n                                <span class=\"image-credit\">Image Credit: <\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item \">\n                        \t<picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-1691041650206_189b9efd633_large.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-1691041650206_189b9efd633_medium.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-1691041650206_189b9efd633_large.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi-1691041650206\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t                <\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"image-caption\">\n                                Hessa Al Tamimi said forensic toxicologists encounter various challenges in their line of work.<br \/>\n                                <span class=\"image-credit\">Image Credit: <\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item \">\n                        \t<picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-75-1691041657590_189b9eff30b_large.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-75-1691041657590_189b9eff30b_medium.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-75-1691041657590_189b9eff30b_large.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi 75-1691041657590\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t                <\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"image-caption\">\n                                The department where Hessa Al Tamimi works specialises in examining biological samples to determine the causes of death, cases of abuse and poisoning.<br \/>\n                                <span class=\"image-credit\">Image Credit: <\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item \">\n                        \t<picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi662-1691041659234_189b9eff976_large.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi662-1691041659234_189b9eff976_medium.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi662-1691041659234_189b9eff976_large.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi662-1691041659234\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t                <\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"image-caption\">\n                                The field of nanomaterials science greatly contributes to crime forensics \u2014 allowing for samples to be examined in an efficient, fast and less costly ways.<br \/>\n                                <span class=\"image-credit\">Image Credit: <\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"row carousel-control\">\n<div class=\"col-6 text-left\">\n                    <a href=\"#\" class=\"carousel-toggle\">View gallery as list<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-6 text-right\">\n                    <span class=\"carousel-state\"><\/span><br \/>\n                    <a class=\"carousel-slide\" 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nanomaterials in crime forensics, Al Tamimi said: \u201cThey exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that make them highly versatile and valuable in various scientific and technological applications, including in crime forensics.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Nanomaterials\u00a0can be used in sample detection and analyses. \u201cOne of the most promising applications is the use of nanoparticles as sensors \u2014 such as to detect and identify specific materials in complex samples,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<h2>Selective binding<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>For example, nanoparticles can be employed using specific bonds or antibodies that can selectively bind to target molecules, allowing highly sensitive detection of trace amounts of these molecules even in complex mixtures such as biological samples.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<figure itemprop=\"associatedMedia image\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" class=\"media-portrait pull-left\">\n        <picture>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imagevars.gulfnews.com\/2023\/08\/03\/Hessa-Al-Tamimi-5-1691041653806_189b9efe443_original-ratio.jpg\" alt=\"Hessa Al Tamimi 5-1691041653806\">\n        <\/picture><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n            Hessa Al Tamimi&#8217;s expertise \u2014 toxicology \u2014 is a scientific discipline that deals with understanding the properties, impacts, and identification of poisons.<br \/>\n    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>\u201cThis was the focus of my master\u2019s thesis, which was to develop a mechanism for detecting analytes in biological samples on a portable device for immediate diagnosis. This may be applied to detect viral diseases or to detect drugs in biological samples in an efficient, rapid and less expensive manner.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div id=\"gulfnews_uae_article_4\" data-gpt=\"Gulfnews_Article\/gulfnews_uae_article\/gulfnews_uae_article_4\" data-atf=\"0\" data-size=\"[320,50]\" data-size-mapping=\"[ [ [ 1024, 500 ], [ [300,100], [300,250], [710,250], [710,400], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [ 768, 420], [ [300,100], [300,250], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [640, 320], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [0, 0], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ] ]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<h2>Challenges<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Al Tamimi said forensic toxicologists encounter various challenges in their work. These include dealing with sample variability and degradation, staying updated with evolving analytical techniques and emerging substances (such as new psychoactive drugs), interpreting complex results and considering drug interactions.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>This also includes navigating legal requirements and court proceedings as \u201cexpert witnesses\u201d, and managing heavy workloads, time constraints, and maintaining quality control to ensure accurate and timely analysis.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Through the use of appropriate sample preparation techniques, internal standards and necessary quality control measures, collaboration with other experts, and continuous improvement of analytical methods, toxicologists can achieve highly accurate and documented results even in complex or difficult cases.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<div class=\"story-block pull-left\">\n<div class=\"fact-box\">\n<div class=\"fact-box-title\">Odour imprint<\/div>\n<div class=\"fact-box-content\">\n            In addition to her dealing with nanomaterials, Al Tamimi is now studying an fascinating crime detection field known as \u201codour imprint\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Experts like Al Tamimi can detect the presence of people and substances in closed locations, using advanced laboratory tests and techniques.<\/p>\n<p>Al Tamimi said: \u201cIn this field, we analyse the chemical composition of human odour for criminal investigation purposes, and the technique that is used for this research is MS-GC \u2013 puzzle chromatography &#8211; mass spectrometry, which is an accurate analytical technique used to identify and quantify the different chemical compounds present in the sample.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis technique works by separating individual chemical compounds in a mixture using gas chromatography, the chemical imprint of those compounds is then analysed using a mass spectrometer.\u201d\n        <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<h2>Distinctive fingerprints<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>How to employ odour fingerprint tests to solve criminal cases? Al Tamimi explained that MS-GC can be used to identify and measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by humans.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div id=\"gulfnews_uae_article_5\" data-gpt=\"Gulfnews_Article\/gulfnews_uae_article\/gulfnews_uae_article_5\" data-atf=\"0\" data-size=\"[320,50]\" data-size-mapping=\"[ [ [ 1024, 500 ], [ [300,100], [300,250], [710,250], [710,400], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [ 768, 420], [ [300,100], [300,250], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [640, 320], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [0, 0], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ] ]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>\u201cThese VOCs can have \u2018fingerprints\u2019, a unique and distinctive scent, which is used as a guide to identify people \u2014 and prove their presence at crime scenes during criminal investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Al Tamimi said that MS-GC is particularly useful in the field of odour fingerprinting, due to its ability to detect trace amounts of volatile organic compounds, even in complex mixtures.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>\u201cThis makes it an essential tool for the identification and measure of specific volatile organic compounds associated with a specific odour.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Al Tamimi recently participated the first international meeting of the Committee for Odorprint Examinations in the police field in Prague, Czech Republic, as a key member.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<h2>Multinational<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>The group counts members from other countries, including the US, the UK and France. The aim is to start activating the processes of evaluating the efficiency of \u201codorprint\u201d examinations. Al Tamimi is conducting a research project in the same field.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div id=\"gulfnews_uae_article_6\" data-gpt=\"Gulfnews_Article\/gulfnews_uae_article\/gulfnews_uae_article_6\" data-atf=\"0\" data-size=\"[320,50]\" data-size-mapping=\"[ [ [ 1024, 500 ], [ [300,100], [300,250], [710,250], [710,400], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [ 768, 420], [ [300,100], [300,250], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [640, 320], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [0, 0], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ] ]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>This resulted in the registration of a member of the Dubai Police in the first committee for odourprint examinations in the police field.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>In addition to starting a project aimed at creating a mechanism to examine odours for the purpose of identifying people who were present at the crime scene, it also provide clear and accurate evidence supporting the investigation file.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Courses and research<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Al Tamimi aspires to complete her studies and obtain a doctorate in her specialty. She also aims to teach students, in addition to her job in the Dubai Police.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>To keep herself abreast with the latest in her field, she continues to conduct research and contributes to developing new techniques in forensic science.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div id=\"gulfnews_uae_article_7\" data-gpt=\"Gulfnews_Article\/gulfnews_uae_article\/gulfnews_uae_article_7\" data-atf=\"0\" data-size=\"[320,50]\" data-size-mapping=\"[ [ [ 1024, 500 ], [ [300,100], [300,250], [710,250], [710,400], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [ 768, 420], [ [300,100], [300,250], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [640, 320], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ],[ [0, 0], [ [300,250], [300,100], [1,1], [336,280], [200,200], [250,250] ] ] ]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>At the 2023 World Police Summit, Al Tamimi moderated a panel discussion on field challenges in forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>She also attended the Academic Training Programme (ATP) in Multiculturalism and Leadership, at Al Maktoum College of Higher Education in Dundee, Scotland; as well the training course in forensic toxicology, organised by the International Center for Forensic Sciences, in which Dr. Simon Elliot, consultant forensic toxicologist, lectured.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<div class=\"story-block pull-left\">\n<div class=\"fact-box\">\n<div class=\"fact-box-title\">How tests are done<\/div>\n<div class=\"fact-box-content\">\n            A \u201cpresumptive test\u201d is first carried out, which is through an immunoassay. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the event that a positive result is obtained, we perform the confirmatory test by carrying out extraction methods for the biological sample and injecting it into the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the toxicology department, we also analyse cases related to post-mortem as well as driving under the influence,&#8221; she said.\n        <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<h2>Cases<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>In the toxicology section, Al Tamimi&#8217;s expertise includes handling more than 2,000 cases due to the high volume of drug abuse cases they receive.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"story-block\">\n<p>Cases in the toxicology section include testing for drugs from suspects as well as people with a history of abuse by carrying out periodic examinations to rehabilitate them from drugs.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"article-nl-wrap\" list=\"211\" title=\"Sign up for the Daily Briefing\" byline=\"Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox.\">\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div id=\"gulfnews_uae_textad\" data-gpt=\"Gulfnews_TextAd\/gulfnews_uae_textad\" data-atf=\"0\" data-size=\"[320,50]\" data-size-mapping=\"[ [ [ 1024, 500 ], [ [300,250] ] ],[ [ 768, 420], [ [728,90] ] ],[ [640, 320], [ [320,50], [300,250] ] ],[ [0, 0], [ [320,50], [300,250] ] ] ]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Exclusive Meet Hessa Al Tamimi, Dubai Police\u2019s nanoscale super sleuth She detects toxic substances, &#8216;odour fingerprints&#8217; to help solve crime Published:\u00a0 August 03, 2023 09:47 By Aghaddir Ali, Senior Reporter Hessa Al Tamimi, the first specialist in nanomaterials at Dubai Police headquarters. A part of her job involves nanoscale forensics, which deals with intricate cases, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4739","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4739","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4739"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4739\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5501,"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4739\/revisions\/5501"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cissar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}