Tiny Mosses Play a Big Role in Solving Crimes

Quick Smiles:

• Scientists reveal mosses have helped solve forensic cases for nearly a century.
• Unique plant fragments were key to identifying crime locations, including a breakthrough in Michigan.
• Researchers hope their findings inspire more use of botanical evidence.

Small plants like moss might seem insignificant, but their unique characteristics are helping forensic scientists unravel mysteries. A new study highlights how these tiny plants have played crucial roles in investigations across the world for nearly a century.

“With our paper, we wanted to highlight the significance of botanical evidence, because chances are, investigators are simply overlooking it because they don’t know what they’re looking at,” said Matt von Konrat, Head of Botanical Collections at Chicago’s Field Museum.

Mosses and their relatives, known as bryophytes, thrive in special conditions and can be linked to specific microhabitats, making them valuable forensic tools. Their presence on shoes or evidence can pinpoint a crime scene with surprising accuracy.

“Because they’re so small, they have all sorts of microhabitats— even if an area overall seems to be one sort of habitat, they can find a spot that works for them in the shade, or in the canopy, or even growing under the grasses,” shared von Konrat.

Von Konrat and his team studied 150 years of forensic literature and found over a dozen cases where moss evidence has been instrumental. Notably, in Michigan, a careful survey of plants helped researchers focus police efforts and confirm the site where Baby Kate was buried.

Jenna Merkel, a co-author, hopes more investigators start using bryophytes in their work. “Plants, and specifically bryophytes, represent an overlooked yet powerful source of forensic evidence that can help investigators link people, places, and events,” Merkel explained. “Through this paper, we aim to raise awareness of forensic botany and encourage law enforcement to recognize the value of even the smallest plant fragments during investigations.”

Thanks to this research, even the tiniest moss may someday help bring closure and justice to families in need.

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