[Research Progress on the Methodological System for Decomposition Stage Classification in Forensic Medicine].

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Accurate postmortem decomposition staging is vital for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) and determining the initial decomposition environment.
• Current research trends involve shifting from empirical observation to multidimensional quantitative indicators for decomposition staging systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evolutionary patterns and applicability of decomposition staging systems in different environments (surface, burial, aquatic).
• To summarize progress in developing stage classification models using microbiome and metabolomic data.
• To analyze the potential and challenges of integrating advanced techniques for a standardized decomposition staging system.

Main Methods:

• Review of "macroscopic morphological evolution" and "microscopic molecular succession" pathways in decomposition.
• Summary of research on microbiome and metabolomic features for stage classification.
• Highlighting the integration of decomposition quantification, multi-omics data, and machine learning.

Main Results:

• Decomposition staging systems are evolving towards quantitative, multidimensional indicators.
• Microbiome and metabolomic data show promise for stage classification models.
• Integrated approaches combining quantification, multi-omics, and machine learning are advancing decomposition analysis.

Conclusions:

• Standardized and practical decomposition staging systems require further development.
• High accuracy and environmental adaptability are key goals for future decomposition analysis systems.
• This review provides theoretical support for advancing decomposition staging methodologies.