Estimating the postmortem interval of human skeletal remains by analyzing their optical behavior

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Biomolecular Archaeology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Distinguishing historical from recent human skeletal remains is crucial in forensic investigations.
• Current methods for determining postmortem interval (PMI) can be limited in accuracy and applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a practical optical method for differentiating human skeletal remains based on age.
• To assess the utility of UV-induced and 490 nm-induced fluorescence in determining PMI.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the optical behavior of 30 human bone cross sections with known PMIs.
• Applied modified UV-induced fluorescence and a novel 490 nm-induced fluorescence technique.
• Quantified fluorescent surface area using digital imaging and analysis software.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was observed between PMI and the extent of fluorescent surface area for both fluorescence methods.
• The combined application of UV and 490 nm fluorescence proved effective in distinguishing between skeletal remains with PMIs less than and greater than 30 years.

Conclusions:

• The combined fluorescence method offers a practical and reliable approach for differentiating recent from historical human skeletal remains.
• This technique enhances the ability to establish timelines in forensic anthropological cases.