olving cases, cleaning water, and pest-proofing wood

Wood Forensic Science

“We were recently consulted about a murder case,” Forest Service research botanist Alex Wiedenhoeft said.

From murder investigations to airplane collision cases, Wiedenhoeft uses expertise in plant science to work with investigators at local and national levels. By studying wood and plant materials, scientists help solve mysteries that can improve public safety and provide important answers in complex investigations.

Wood identification and forensic science can reveal details that might otherwise go unnoticed, turning ordinary plant material into critical evidence.

Tiny Wood Particles Can Have a Big Impact

Forest thinning helps forests stay healthier and reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires. However, many trees removed during thinning operations are too small to become traditional lumber. Often, these materials are left behind, used as fertilizer, or burned.

Researchers at the Forest Products Laboratory are developing new ways to transform this wood waste into cellulose nanomaterials—extremely small particles with surprisingly powerful applications.

These tiny wood-based materials are showing promise in a wide range of uses, including:

• Faster-drying cement
• Improved food storage and preservation
• Wastewater filtration systems
• Strong protective materials, including bullet-resistant panels

Research continues to reveal how materials once considered waste can become important resources for future technologies.

Making Wood Less Appealing to Pests

Wood products are a major part of daily life, from homes and walls to fences and outdoor structures. But insects and fungi see wood very differently—as a source of food.

Scientists at the Forest Products Laboratory study how wood responds to fungal decay and insect damage. By testing different materials and treatments, researchers work to improve the lifespan and durability of wood products.

Their work helps develop wood materials that last longer and perform better in challenging environments.

Safer Wood for Safer Buildings

Testing wood products for strength, durability, moisture resistance, and fire performance can be expensive and difficult for many organizations.

The Forest Products Laboratory brings together scientists, technicians, universities, and research partners to test both traditional and emerging wood products in a more accessible way.

This collaboration helps improve building safety, strengthen construction materials, and advance research that benefits communities everywhere. Findings from these studies contribute to safer and stronger wood-based structures for the future.