The police have many different ways to find criminals. The most well-known are fingerprints, CCTV, and DNA. A new study shows that moss is used to solve crimes. Moss grows everywhere. Scientists say these tiny plants can be big clues in police investigations. The scientists' research is in the latest edition of the journal Forensic Sciences Research. The scientists looked at all the cases in which moss was used to help solve crimes. Lead author Dr Matt von Konrat said: "We wanted to highlight the significance of botanical evidence because…investigators may be overlooking it." He added: "We're hoping that our study helps show how important these tiny plants can be."

The earliest reported case of police using moss to help in an investigation was in 1929. The amount of moss on a skeleton helped police know when the person had died. In 2013, scientists analyzed tiny bits of moss on a man's shoes. This helped to find where the man's baby daughter was buried. Dr von Konrat led a team that found the girl's body. He said: "Based on the bits of moss, we knew what sort of micro-habitat we were looking for." The father was convicted of murder. Study author and forensic scientist Jenna Merkel said: "Through this paper, we aim to raise awareness of forensic botany." She wants the police to better understand how moss can help during investigations.