Editorial Material
Medicine, Legal
James T. Pokines, Samantha Kelley, Alexis Muschal, Isabella Liggett, Alyssa Zamora, Megan Hill, Sierra Sater, Austin Shamlou, Meagan O'Brien
Summary: This study investigated the dispersal behavior of dry bones in a forested urban environment populated by various scavenging taxa. Game cameras were used to document the behavior, revealing that bones were dispersed in small amounts with the majority of movements within 1-5 cm range. Rodents were found to have gnawed on 72.7% of the bone sample, indicating their significant impact on bone dispersal.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jennifer M. DeBruyn, Katharina M. Hoeland, Lois S. Taylor, Jessica D. Stevens, Michelle A. Moats, Sreejata Bandopadhyay, Stephen P. Dearth, Hector F. Castro, Kaitlin K. Hewitt, Shawn R. Campagna, Angela M. Dautartas, Giovanna M. Vidoli, Amy Z. Mundorff, Dawnie W. Steadman
Summary: Research has shown that human and pig decomposition differ in their impacts on soil biogeochemistry and microbial activities. By conducting two seasonal trials, it was observed that both human and pig decomposition led to elevated levels of microbial respiration, protease activity, and ammonium in the soil, indicating enhanced microbial activity during decomposition. Soil respiration remained comparable between seasons, but the magnitude of decomposition products was greater in the summer.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Paige Tynan
Summary: This article discusses the limitations of 2D imaging in forensic taphonomy and highlights the potential of 3D modeling techniques. 3D modeling provides multidimensional data and accurate representation of decomposition dynamics, reducing subjectivity and increasing the reliability of forensic assessments. Further research is needed to develop the application of 3D technology in forensic taphonomy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Clara Alfsdotter, Anja Petaros
Summary: The study found differences in decomposition patterns between aquatic and surface remains, suggesting that geographically adapted equations hold promise for assessing PMI. However, the model fit was poor for aquatic cases, potentially due to difficulties in obtaining reliable data and issues with the scoring system.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biology
Camilla Cecannecchia, Benedetta Baldari, Andrea Cioffi
Summary: The study of bone mineral density and fracture dating based on healing processes plays a crucial role in forensic anthropology. By emphasizing the importance of these parameters, researchers aim to reconstruct biological profiles, determine time and cause of death, and minimize the impact of medication or substance abuse during life. The introduction of pharmacological history as a correction factor in bone remains analysis, backed by scientific studies, aims to enhance specificity in understanding the effects of certain therapies on bone mass and remodeling speed.
Article
Ecology
Nengi Ogbanga, Andrew Nelson, Sarah Gino, Daniel J. Wescott, Hayley L. Mickleburgh, Timothy P. Gocha, Noemi Procopio
Summary: Human donations are used in forensic research to provide unique insights into post-mortem research. Freezing does not significantly alter the human microbiome, thus frozen donors are suitable for forensic studies.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Damien Charabidze, Vincent Lavieille, Thomas Colard
Summary: Research has found that larvae of the larder beetle can dig pupation chambers in dry human bones, which is important for understanding the biological changes of skeletal remains as well as the chronology of mass graves.
Review
Medicine, Legal
Lara Indra, Sandra Losch, David Errickson, Devin Finaughty
Summary: Vertebrate scavengers play a significant role in forensic investigations, but there is a lack of standardized research methods for studying their impact. This study conducted a literature review and identified inconsistencies in study designs. It also highlighted the need for attention to certain research questions and variables. The authors recommend the development of guidelines to standardize future research in this field.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Megan A. Hill, James T. Pokines
Summary: This research examined the effects of burial depth and presence of plastic wrapping on the decomposition rate of fetal pig remains. It found that wrapping significantly influenced the decomposition, while burial depth did not.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Steven J. Walden, Sam L. Evans, Jacqui Mulville, Karen Wilson, Scott Board
Summary: This pilot study aimed to determine the variation of collagen and water content in bone during soft tissue putrefaction using thermogravimetric analysis, with the potential forensic application of estimating post-mortem interval. The results showed differences in mass loss of porcine bone decomposed in shallow burial and surface deposition scenarios, indicating potential for future research in determining post-mortem interval. However, the analysis of collagen degradation during thermolysis showed inconsistent results, suggesting limited potential as an indicator of post-mortem interval during soft tissue putrefaction.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Review
Biology
Lara Indra, David Errickson, Alexandria Young, Sandra Losch
Summary: In forensic cases of exposed human bodies, vertebrate animals pose challenges in recovering remains and interpreting circumstances of death. This review focuses on the forensic relevance of vertebrate scavengers in Europe, providing information on their behavior, inflicted lesions, and ecological backgrounds. The study aims to support forensic practitioners in recognizing animal activity and interpreting the effects on human remains. Scattered research on animal scavenging underscores the importance of this study, which offers insights into the European context.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Ann-Sofie Ceciliason, M. Gunnar Andersson, Sofia Nyberg, Hakan Sandler
Summary: By developing a novel scoring-based model, this study found that combining the HDS markers with partial body scores can improve the precision of post-mortem interval estimation for decomposed human remains. The HDS system was shown to be statistically robust and the model comprising both scoring methods had better accuracy than each method separately.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Joana Rosa, M. Paula M. Marques, David Goncalves, Maria Teresa Ferreira
Summary: Skeletal human remains that have undergone heat-induced changes have been extensively studied, but there is still much to learn and understand about these changes. Heat-induced colour modifications in bones are not well understood, as they often present unexpected colors instead of the typical variations. Additionally, there is a lack of standardization in determining and naming these colorations, leading to subjective descriptions. However, recent research shows a commitment to more objective methods. This review compiles literature data to discuss the potential of heat-induced color changes in inferring cause of death and their applicability in legal contexts.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Mariyam I. Isa, Todd W. Fenton, Alexis C. Goots, Elena O. Watson, Patrick E. Vaughan, Feng Wei
Summary: This study investigates the relationships between input energy, impactor shape, and fractures in human crania. The results show that different energy levels and impactor shapes can lead to different fracture patterns and locations. Higher energy impacts generally result in more impact site fractures and comminution, while different impactor shapes also contribute to varied fracture patterns.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Julie-Eleonore Maisonhaute, Shari L. Forbes
Summary: Forensic entomology has been applied globally in criminal investigations. However, there have been limited studies on human cadavers in humid climates. This research focused on documenting the diversity and succession of insects associated with decomposed human bodies in a humid, continental climate in Quebec, Canada. The study revealed that the decomposition process in Quebec is heterogeneous and complex, with precocious desiccation/mummification and the presence of superficial skin lesions accelerating the colonization of blow flies. The study also reported the first observation of Cochliomyia macellaria in Quebec, providing valuable information for medico-legal death investigations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2023)
