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Focussed Ion Beam Milling and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Brain Tissue

Focussed Ion Beam Milling and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Brain Tissue

Published on: July 6, 2011

Identifying postmortem microstructural change to skeletal and dental tissues using backscattered electron imaging.

¹School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. lynneb@sfu.ca

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|August 22, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study details postmortem microstructural changes in bone and teeth using backscattered electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope (BSE/SEM). It provides insights for forensic science, archaeology, and paleontology, offering methods to avoid imaging artifacts.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Anthropology
Paleontology
Archaeology

Background:

Extensive research exists on postmortem microstructural changes in bone and teeth over the last century.
Previous microscopic methods often introduce preparation artifacts and are limited by resolution.
Understanding these changes is crucial for forensic science, archaeology, and paleontology.

Purpose of the Study:

To document postmortem changes in bone and tooth microstructure using backscattered electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope (BSE/SEM).
To provide a means for identifying early postmortem history and body treatment.
To offer practical guidance for circumventing misinterpretations caused by BSE imaging artifacts.

Main Methods:

Application of backscattered electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope (BSE/SEM) to skeletal tissues.
Analysis of microstructural changes in bone and teeth.
Comparative study of imaging techniques and their limitations.

Main Results:

BSE/SEM is an effective method for documenting postmortem changes in bone and tooth microstructure.
Identified key microstructural changes provide insights into early postmortem history.
Specific artifacts associated with BSE imaging were observed and documented.

Conclusions:

BSE/SEM is a valuable tool for studying postmortem changes in skeletal tissues.
The findings aid in determining the postmortem interval and taphonomic processes.
Awareness of BSE imaging artifacts is essential for accurate interpretation in forensic, archaeological, and paleontological contexts.