Determining 'age at death' for forensic purposes using human bone by a laboratory-based biomechanical analytical...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Biomaterials Science
• Skeletal Biology

Background:

• Accurate age-at-death (AAD) estimation is crucial in forensic science and archaeology.
• Current methods for estimating AAD in adults (>35 years) lack accuracy and objectivity.
• There is a need for more quantitative, evidence-based approaches in forensic age estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of bone biomechanical and matrix properties for reliable AAD estimation in adults.
• To develop a quantitative method for age determination based on traceable age-related changes in bone.
• To improve the accuracy and objectivity of AAD estimation in forensic contexts.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of macroscopic bone properties (density, porosity, composition, collagen degradation, ash content).
• Microscopic analysis including Ca/P ratios, microhardness, and image analysis of bone sections.
• Application of a combined physical and chemical analysis method to skeletal remains.

Main Results:

• Successful age estimation within ±1 year for a cohort of 12 donors aged 53-85 years.
• Demonstrated significantly improved accuracy compared to existing post-skeletal maturity AAD techniques.
• Validated the method's reliability and objectivity, independent of observer expertise.

Conclusions:

• The developed quantitative method provides a highly accurate and objective approach to AAD determination in adults.
• This laboratory-based technique can be applied globally with standardized protocols.
• The method enhances identification capabilities in forensic science and archaeology.