Fragment analysis in forensic anthropology

Abstract

Anthropological analysis of fragmentary evidence can be challenging but diverse methods allow substantial information to be gleaned. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy enables determination if bone and/or tooth tissue is present. Protein radioimmunoassay or DNA analysis can establish the species present. Histological analysis can assist in species determination and reveal information about thermal changes. Radiocarbon analysis with special reference to the modern bomb-curve can clarify the postmortem interval. Anthropologists should also be aware that DNA analysis not only can enable positive identification but assist in the evaluation of sex and age at death.

The Future Is Now: Unraveling the Expanding Potential of Human (Necro)Microbiome in Forensic Investigations

“…Forensic radiology is an emerging area of forensic sciences that deals with the utilization of imaging techniques such as radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for the examination and analysis of deceased individuals [134]. Radionuclide-based methods, commonly employed in forensic anthropology for skeletonized remains, utilize radionuclides such as 210Pb and 210Po, 14C radiocarbon, as well as measurements of citrate and nitrogen content [134,137,138]. Forensic odontology uses dental evidence to provide expert analysis and answers to forensic inquiries, serving both the field of justice and anthropology [139].…”

“…Forensic odontology uses dental evidence to provide expert analysis and answers to forensic inquiries, serving both the field of justice and anthropology [139]. Forensic anthropology analyzes bone evidence, whether fragmented or intact, to respond to the law in several aspects, including identification, gender or age estimation, and PMI calculation [137]. Through botanical classification and traditional knowledge of plant species, the relationships between their development, specific habits, and geographical origins can be established, adding valuable information about the environment surrounding a corpse and possibly in the PMI estimation [140].…”

How to Perform SEM/EDX Analysis on Bone? Procedural Aspects and Main Anthropological Applications

“…Indeed, through this analysis it is possible, for example, to distinguish fresh bone from archaeological bone after a prolonged period of immersion in water [33]. Furthermore, this technique also allows for rapid diagnostic classification as a bone or dental element in the context of fragmented or taphonomically altered evidence that cannot be interpreted macroscopically [34,35]. In this context, quickly confirming the biological nature can also allow for genetic analysis [36].…”

Estimativa do intervalo post mortem mínimo em situações forenses por meio da análise histológica dos dentes

“…Métodos bioquímicos consistem, principalmente, na quantificação de material genético (BORGES, et al, 2021;BIANCHI et al, 2022), análise proteômica (PROCOPIO et al, 2018) e datação por radiocarbono (CATTANEO, 2007;SZELECZ et al, 2018;WU, 2020;CAPPELA et al, 2015). YADAV et al, 2015).…”