NOVA Online/Bombing of America/After the Blast

After the Blast

After a bomb explodes, the area is combed for physical evidence.

A trained investigator can spot which pieces of debris are important.

In the case of the abortion clinic bombers, whose case was described in our NOVA program, "Bombing of America," various pieces of evidence were recovered, which eventually led to the arrest of three suspects. In our television program, we discuss how the

paint chips,

gas canister and

bomb wick

from a molotov cocktail helped investigators track down the criminals.

Here on NOVA On Line, we'll examine the techniques used to analyze the fingerprint and strand of hair that were found.

Note: to learn about the chemical residue bombs leave behind, check out this week's Hot Science.