Advances in Chemical Sorting of Commingled Remains Compressed
Forensic anthropologists face the challenge of sorting remains from commingled assemblages. This webinar examines how chemical signatures of bone can complement physical reassociation strategies. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers rapid, visually non-destructive analysis that acquires chemical information from bone. Statistical evaluation of chemical profiles taken across 1284 bones from 45 individuals reveals that physicochemical variation exists between individuals and, consequently, can be used to classify the bones. This NIJ-funded research study highlights the efficiency of LIBS-based chemical analysis in expediting the reassociation of commingled remains and its potential for advancing forensic techniques.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 30, 2023.
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Opinions or points of view expressed in these recordings represent those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any commercial products and manufacturers discussed in these recordings are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.