Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides

Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides

Sulfides are the sulfur analog of ethers, just as thiols are the sulfur analog of alcohol. Like ethers, sulfides also consist of two hydrocarbon groups bonded to the central sulfur atom. Depending upon the type of groups present, sulfides can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical sulfides can be prepared via an SN2 reaction between 2 equivalents of an alkyl halide and one equivalent of sodium sulfide.

Microbial Corrosion

Microbial Corrosion

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...

Preparation and Reactions of Thiols

Preparation and Reactions of Thiols

Thiols are prepared using the hydrosulfide anion as a nucleophile in a nucleophilic substitution reaction with alkyl halides. For instance, bromobutane reacts with sodium hydrosulfide to give butanethiol.

Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle

Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle

Sulfur is a vital element in Earth's biogeochemical systems. It transitions through various inorganic states, including sulfate (SO₄²⁻), elemental sulfur (S⁰), and sulfide (S²⁻). Abiotic and biological mechanisms across oxic and anoxic environments intricately mediate these transformations. Sulfate, the most oxidized form of sulfur, is predominantly stored in rocks, marine sediments, and oceanic waters, acting as a long-term reservoir in the global sulfur cycle.In oxic environments,...

Sulfur Assimilation

Sulfur Assimilation

Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...

The Sulfur Cycle

The Sulfur Cycle

Sulfur, an important element in the chemical makeup of proteins, is recycled through the atmosphere and aquatic and terrestrial environments. Found in the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur is released by decaying organisms, weathered rocks, geothermal vents, volcanos, and burning fossil fuels. It is deposited into the ecosystem, cycled through the biotic community, and either released back into the atmosphere as gas or deposited in marine sediment for long-term storage and eventual...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Notes from the Field: Drug Overdose Deaths in Hotels and Motels - United States, 2022-2024.

MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report·2026

Same author

Forensic Pathology Education: Do We Need an Alternative Pathway?

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2026

Same author

Algorithm development for the automation of death certificate analysis and coding.

Annals of epidemiology·2025

Same author

Intrauterine and Neonatal Deaths: The 2013-2023 Experience of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2025

Same author

The Forensic Perspective of Infectious Endocarditis: A Retrospective Study With Recommendations for the Future.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2024

Same author

The National Association of Medical Examiners Position Paper on the Investigation and Certification of Pediatric Deaths From Environmental Neglect.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2024

Same journal

Fatal Case of Severe Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in a Neonate Following Out-of-Hospital Water Birth: A Case Report With Brief Review of Literature.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2026

Same journal

A Retrospective, Forensic, and Epidemiological Analysis of Reported Rabies-Related Deaths in Şanlıurfa Province, 2012-2023.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2026

Same journal

Fatal Sigmoidorectal Intussusception Associated With a Colonic Vascular Lesion Showing AVM-Like Features: A Rare Case.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2026

Same journal

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Suicide by Hanging: A Retrospective Forensic Assessment Based on Autopsies in Türkiye.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2026

Same journal

Cardiac Rupture Complicating Acute and Subacute Myocardial Infarction at Forensic Autopsy.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2026

Same journal

Heart Disease in Arrest-Related Death.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria

A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria

Published on: June 27, 2022

Suicide with hydrogen sulfide.

Ralph Newton Sams¹, H Wayne Carver, Charles Catanese

¹Department of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital-Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI 02903, USA. rnsams@gmail.com

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

|April 12, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is increasingly used in suicides in the United States. This method involves generating H2S in enclosed spaces, leading to asphyxiation and specific autopsy findings.

More Related Videos

Measurement of H2S in Crude Oil and Crude Oil Headspace Using Multidimensional Gas Chromatography, Deans Switching and Sulfur-selective Detection

Measurement of H₂S in Crude Oil and Crude Oil Headspace Using Multidimensional Gas Chromatography, Deans Switching and Sulfur-selective Detection

Published on: December 10, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 12, 2026

A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria

A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria

Published on: June 27, 2022

Measurement of H2S in Crude Oil and Crude Oil Headspace Using Multidimensional Gas Chromatography, Deans Switching and Sulfur-selective Detection

Measurement of H₂S in Crude Oil and Crude Oil Headspace Using Multidimensional Gas Chromatography, Deans Switching and Sulfur-selective Detection

Published on: December 10, 2015

Area of Science:

Forensic Pathology
Toxicology
Public Health

Background:

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) poisoning is an uncommon cause of death in forensic practice.
Historically, H2S deaths were primarily linked to industrial accidents.

Observation:

A recent trend shows H2S being used for intentional asphyxial suicides.
Two cases involved individuals generating H2S in automobiles using household chemicals (sulfide tree spray and toilet bowl cleaner).
Death scenes required hazardous materials response due to warnings of toxic gas.

Findings:

Autopsies revealed characteristic lividity discoloration and accentuated gray matter in the brain.
Toxicology confirmed H2S exposure by detecting elevated blood thiosulfate levels.

Implications:

The rise in H2S suicides presents a novel challenge for medical examiners and public health officials.
Understanding these methods is crucial for developing prevention and intervention strategies.